Damascus Way offers several meaningful avenues for individuals, organizations, businesses, and churches to become transformational partners in supporting reentry and recovery efforts
Here's how you can get involved:
Engage in peer mentorship
Facilitate workshops and substance use education
Peer mentoring is a fantastic way to grow together at work. It’s all about teaming up with someone who’s in a similar stage of their career or shares your experiences. This kind of support system can make a big difference because it feels like getting advice from a friend who really gets where you’re coming from.
In Rochester, MN, individuals can access a variety of career and skill development programs to enhance their employability and career prospects.
Substance use education focuses on preventing substance misuse through awareness, knowledge, and skills development, targeting youth and communities to promote healthy choices.
Support groups in recovery are structured gatherings where individuals facing similar challenges, such as addiction or mental health issues, come together to share experiences, provide mutual support, and foster a sense of community.
Donations from individuals, churches, foundations, and corporations play a crucial role in sustaining and expanding community services. These contributions help ensure that essential services like food banks, shelters, and healthcare programs can operate and expand to support those in need.
Contributions to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are tax-deductible under U.S. federal law, allowing donors to subtract those gifts from their taxable income. This deduction applies to donations to most religious, charitable, scientific, literary, and educational organizations that have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The deduction is a way for Congress to encourage private giving for public good, ensuring that donations do not have to be paid taxes on them, as they are not benefiting the donor personally. To claim this deduction, donors must itemize their deductions on Schedule A of their tax return.
Help sustain and expand services
Community connection and integration have been found to be essential for reentry populations and those in long-term recovery from substance use disorder.
Peer recovery specialists and coordinators play an important role in helping individuals build strong connections within their communities.
The Peer Recovery Academy is a training program designed to prepare individuals for impactful work as Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) in Minnesota. Developed by Amethyst Recovery Solutions, this 46-hour program goes beyond certification prep to equip trainees with real-world tools and insights needed to thrive in the field. The curriculum is culturally-informed and trauma-sensitive, built with inclusivity and understanding at its core, and evidence-based, incorporating knowledge from substance use medicine, neuroscience, and the recovery community. The Academy takes a multi-trainer approach, meaning participants learn from a team of professionals who actively do this work every day, ensuring a well-rounded, practical education rooted in actual experience.
Support Recovery Resource Management refers to the coordinated and organized efforts to provide individuals with the necessary resources and support for recovery. This includes accessing recovery services, navigating support systems, and utilizing community resources to aid in the recovery process. Organizations like Rochester Recovers, Minnesota Recovery Connection, and Peer Recovery Support play a crucial role in this resource management by offering guidance, education, and advocacy to help individuals find and utilize their recovery resources effectively.
Participating in group support initiatives can significantly enhance personal growth and development. These groups offer a space to share experiences, receive support, and foster connections with others who understand what you’re going through. Participation in these groups can lead to numerous benefits, including reduced feelings of isolation, emotional relief, practical guidance, and a sense of belonging and understanding. Engaging actively in support groups can foster trust, encourage others to share, and deepen conversations, ultimately contributing to a more supportive and connected community.
Name of grantee’s leadership (executive director, VP, etc.) and others.
Tierre Webster
Responsible person(s) within the organization for managing and overseeing the grant, including meeting the deliverables of the contract (program director, program manager).
Kevin Saunders
Contact information for the individuals listed. The Grantee may choose how to post contact information, but the contact method information must be direct (i.e. direct phone number vs or direct email address).
Tierre Webster; tierre.webster@damascusway.com
Kevin Saunders; kevin.saunders@damascusway.com
Name of grantee’s leadership (executive director, VP, etc.) and others.
Tierre Webster
Responsible person(s) within the organization for managing and overseeing the grant, including meeting the deliverables of the contract (program director, program manager).
Demetria Frazier
Contact information for the individuals listed. The Grantee may choose how to post contact information, but the contact method information must be direct (i.e. direct phone number vs or direct email address).
Tierre Webster; tierre.webster@damascusway.com
Demetria Frazier; demetria.frazier@damascusway.com
Name of grant program.
Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Restorative Justice Practices Grant
Name of grantee’s leadership (executive director, VP, etc.) and others.
Tierre Webster
Responsible person(s) within the organization for managing and overseeing the grant, including meeting the deliverables of the contract (program director, program manager).
Christopher Cabrera
Contact information for the individuals listed. The Grantee may choose how to post contact information, but the contact method information must be direct (i.e. direct phone number vs or direct email address).
Tierre Webster; tierre.webster@damascusway.com
Christopher Cabrera; Christopher.Cabrera@damascusway.com
Partner with Damascus Way
Born from a simple jailhouse Bible study, Damascus Way has grown into a statewide Recovery Community Organization (RCO) and reentry provider. Our board and staff regularly hosts listening sessions with community members, faith leaders, and recovery partners—both throughout the year and upon request—to identify the evolving needs related to SUD recovery and successful reentry. These conversations fuel compassion, build community, and empower action.
Your financial support helps us continue serving individuals and families on the road to freedom.
From mentorship and life skills development to recovery education and workshop facilitation and/or even preparing a meal—these are some examples of the many ways to empower and uplift those we serve
Partner with us. Together with faith-based and recovery communities, we walk beside.
Substance Use Disorder & Mental Wellness:
Tell us about the substance use disorder (SUD) and mental wellness (MW) services that are accessible in your community.