The Way Home
Recovery
Life on the streets can take a deep toll on a person’s sense of self-worth and dignity. The constant stress and pain often lead people to seek ways to cope, sometimes through harmful patterns or substance use.
At Union Rescue Mission, our recovery programs provide a safe and supportive space for men and women to begin healing, rebuild their lives, and find their way home—with renewed hope and purpose.
Life-Transformation Program for Women
Our faith-based Damascus Road to Recovery is a one-year residential recovery program uniquely designed for single women seeking to heal from addictions and brokenness so they can rebuild their lives and thrive.
This four-phase program is based far from Skid Row at our beautiful Hope Gardens Family Center for women and children, an oasis of peace and safety in the mountains above Sylmar.
PHASE 1 (2 Months):
- Detox – first 14 days
- Start attending weekly group meetings, chapel, and Celebrate Recovery
PHASE 2 (4 Months):
- Anger management
- Parenting
- Domestic violence
- Healing
- Addiction
- Relapse prevention
- Learning boundaries
- Resilience & reconnection
PHASE 3 (3 Months):
- Continuation of classes
- Financial management and budgeting
- Resume building and job readiness skills
- Work therapy
PHASE 4 (3 Months):
- Continuation of classes
- Obtaining emplyment
- Permanent housing
- Education goals
Life-Transformation Program for Men
Our faith-based men’s Emmaus Recovery Program helps men overcome addictions and other destructive behavioral/relational issues so they can heal and connect with a healthy community. Changing a life isn’t easy — it takes time, dedication, and hard work. We offer men the time and guidance they need in three phases:
Program includes:
Phase 1: Seeds of Hope – 30 days
Detox and assessments. Assessments include:
- ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine)
- Arizona Self-Sufficiency Matrix
- ESL Test (English as Second Language)
- ACE Score (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
- TABE Score (The Adult Basic Education)
Phase 2: Emmaus – 6-9 months
Designed to find the root cause of addictions, which we define as “pain management.” We offer a trauma-informed approach to recovery with the help of our Pepperdine Mental Health Clinic. The goal is to help men reconnect with God, self and others. This requires healing and an encounter with Jesus in a loving church community. Areas of emphasis include:
- Christian foundation
- Prayer and contemplation
- 12-Step recovery
- Addiction education
- Emotionally healthy relationships
- Individual and group therapy<.li>
- Anger management
- Grief recovery
- Physical planning
- Financial planning
- Education and vocational training
- Trade schools and training assignments
- Regular chapel and church engagement
Phase 3: Apprenticeship – Up to 18 months
Emmaus graduates are encouraged to complete three terms of six-month apprenticeships to ensure their successful transition to independence. Our men use this time to build a solid employment history, attend school, or get vocational training. Graduates continue to live at the Mission as they seek permanent employment, save money, look for affordable housing.