June 2019 Newsletter

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Mission Is A Transition Home

Timothy had served his term in the Oregon Department of Corrections. He had time to realize that his past way of life was destructive. The addictions, anger, and poor choices were over. Timothy accepted the Lord while incarcerated. At thirty-one-years of age, he was born again into a new man. He was ready for a fresh start in life, and needed a transition home, an opportunity for success.

The Oregon DOC has a short-term transitional leave program, that provides, “an opportunity to secure appropriate transitional support when necessary for successful reintegration into the community prior to the inmate’s discharge to post-prison supervision.” It assists, “in preparing a transition plan and in identifying and applying for an employment, educational or other transitional opportunity in the community.” This trans leave program allows for up to a 120 day early release and is not available to those with more serious convictions. The Mission is an approved living environment. In that sense, we have become an extension of the corrections system. Yet because we do not receive compensation, we are free to engage in our ministry. Our presence reduces the tax burden of the corrections systems, and allows for our impact in the lives of men and women.

Timothy was given a 90 day trans leave option, conditioned on securing appropriate housing. He requested permission to live with his grandparents, but it was denied. The home inspection revealed a situation that did not allow an approval. Then he asked to live with his mother. When he was released, he had 24 hours to check in with his Parole Officer. Only when he checked in with his PO did he find out that his mother’s home had also been denied. Felons were not allowed in her mobile home park, as is the case in a lot of housing units. He was upset over the dilemma, but chose freedom. He was homeless, penniless, jobless, and had court fines to pay. Not knowing what to expect here, he was encouraged that, “everybody was pretty friendly.” He was met with a communal living arrangement similar to what he had been used to. We have a common dayroom, courtyard, dining room, dormitory, and chapel. He did not need our program, he already had all the rehabilitation needed.

Getting a job was his mandated priority, and part-time, minimum wage jobs are plentiful. Ten days after arriving here, he went to work in a restaurant. He thought he was going to be a dishwasher, but the desperate employer handed him a cook’s apron. Five months later, his name was at the top of our list for the Mission’s Transitional Housing Program. He moved into a rented private room in one of our single room occupancy hotels that have restrooms and showers at the end of the hallway. At about the same time, he had his old traffic fines paid and was able to get his driver’s license and buy a vehicle. He works the graveyard shift plus extra hours, so the room was appreciated for sleeping during the day.

Timothy said, “I am a new and different person. I don’t go looking for trouble,” And he has not been in any trouble in nine months of being here. The Mission is Timothy’s transition home, easing the assimilation process to independent living.