“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”
While singing Christmas carols in the past, the phrase, “the weary world,” didn’t resonate as strongly as it does in 2020. Certainly, we are weary world. And yet, the “thrill of hope” began to beat in the heart of Lower Lights Ministries early in the pandemic. Almost immediately we felt a need to look towards “new and glorious” ways to support the most vulnerable as they fought to brighten their future. Compelled by the love of God, we stand with them as the year draws to a close and we all look forward to our new programs for 2021:
Transitional Employment Program
Our Transitional Employment Program (TEP) began in September. Understanding that quality employment will be vital in the upcoming years, we opened up jobs within the organization to those in our housing program. TEP is a workforce development strategy that combines time-limited, competitive wage paying jobs with meaningful work, skill based development and holistic supportive services, creating an incubator that transitions the underemployed into confident, successful employees.
“Mom and Me”
“Mom and Me” consists of 4 housing units in our Family Housing programs specifically for women with substance use disorder and their newborn infants. The women will begin in Lower Lights Recovery program, receiving quality drug treatment services during pregnancy. Upon delivery mom and infant will move into a private home, complete with a new nursery, parenting support, continued recovery programming and holistic supportive services. Our goal is to give the infant that vital first year of stability and to give mom all the skills needed to build a new family.
New Housing Unit for Lower Lights Recovery
Beginning in January, Lower Lights will add another housing unit to our effective drug recovery center, bringing us to a total of 20 recovery beds. Our newest home will be an ORH certified Level 1 recovery house, allowing women who have successfully moved through our Level 2 and 3 programs a safe space to begin their final steps into independence. In this program, they will provide valuable leadership to new residents and assist staff in program development.
We also plan to open a comprehensive resource center on Sullivant Avenue this spring that will provide new opportunities and connections for those most impacted by the pandemic.
Yes, we are weary. But as Christmas draws near we are reminded of the hope we have and that all of us can look forward with joy because God is with us. Emmanuel!
Merry Christmas to you and yours~
Jan
-CEO