Beyond the daily provision of meals, shelter and clothing, we feel the most important component of any of our homeless service programming is spiritual development—the desired outcome of the Evansville Rescue Mission’s long-term residential program called P.A.C.E.S.–Purpose Accountability Christ Education and Service. Any individual desiring to spiritually grow and to have a relationship with Jesus Christ can voluntarily commit to enroll in our long-term residential program which lasts a little over a year, led by our Director of Programming and Lead Pastor.
During this time, residents progress through a multi-level program that includes the following levels:
P.A.C.E.S. One
P.A.C.E.S. 1: Six weeks long; residents read and complete the Lifetime Guarantee book and accompanying study guide while attending one Lifetime Guarantee study group during the week; individuals are required to fill out 5 job applications each week; men are assigned a work detail in their respective shelter wing.
P.A.C.E.S. Two
P.A.C.E.S. 2: Six months long; residents read the first three books in the Design for Discipleship series, complete a work detail at one of our six ministry divisions (Residence Center, Youth Care Center, Camp Reveal, ERM Donation Center, or the Mission’s two Thrift Stores), participate in a Bible study elective either held at the Residence Center or at a local church, learn how to apply anger management principles by attending and passing a nine week-long Anger Management class taught by ERM, Case Manager, and attend life skills classes focusing on job skills and communications.
P.A.C.E.S. Three
P.A.C.E.S. 3: Six months long; residents are assigned a work detail at an ERM facility based on their preference and previous skill-set where the first three months an individual serves as an apprentice and the last three months serves as a mentor; men read the final four books of the Design for Discipleship series; residents participate in a Bible study elective either held at the Men’s Residence Center or at a local church.
Additionally, P.A.C.E.S. 3 participants attend and pass a twelve week-long financial management class, taught and developed by Old National Bank, in order to successfully move on from P.A.C.E.S. 3, and ultimately, graduate P.A.C.E.S. altogether.
Concluding, P.A.C.E.S. attendees (as well as emergency shelter guests) are highly encouraged to make time to attend My Recovery, an addiction recovery class taught every Monday afternoon at 4 p.m. at the Residence Center by ERM staff.
Meanwhile, program participants are daily given meals, shelter, & clothing, and receive case management from our Case Manager, and from ERM’s fellow collaborators.