Giving back in Southeastern North Carolina
Employment and Economy Issues
Hi everyone,
I founded Miracles In Progress Aftercare Recovery Homes in Wilmington, NC in 2004. It's a structured, supportive group living environment, often referred to as a "halfway house", for alcoholics and addicts in the early stages of recovery. Most are referred to MIP through detox centers, treatment programs, drug courts, and of course their family and friends.
Each resident is provided with a shared bedroom in a residential facility, which has all the nice eminities of a comfortable home. The homes are fully self supporting with no outside funding. All expenses are met by the residents paying their rent cost of 95.00 per week. Many come to us that have no funds, or resources for funding. All unemployed residents are required to seek full time employment from 9am - 4pm Mon - Saturday.
At one time, not so long ago, this was a non issue because jobs were plentiful in the Wilmington area. It usually only took a week for a man to find employment and have the ability to start paying his way in 2 weeks. My wife and I could float them for 2 weeks. However, in the past year, things have changed. Today, it is taking a man up to four weeks of diligently searching before a job opportunity comes as a result of his efforts. Then there is the waiting period for them to collect a check, because one check is held back. We cannot afford to float them any longer then the 2 weeks we have been in the past. So, one of two sad senarios get played out. The man gets very discouraged, and looses sight of the hope of a new and better life, Thus he leaves our program and returns to his old playgrounds and play mates, which in turn leads him back to his old way of life. Or we end up terminating his residency due to his inability to pay his rental expense.
We have been blessed to see many men leave not being the same man that entered. Reuniting with family, rejoining the work force, going back to school, entering a world full of life, laughter and love.
These are not bad men. Their past lifes were controlled by the disease of addiction or alcoholism. Today they are clean and sober. They are skilled trades men, some are highly educated. All are willing to humble themselves and seek any kind of work. None are afriad of hard labor. Many have gained employment with the fast food industry, just to hold them over until something better comes forward.
But the stress they are under jeapardizes their recovery efforts today. Even getting their foot in the door of a fast food restaurant is a month long task.
We are doing all we can to help these people. If you are willing to share your ideas, potiential job opportunities, ect. It would be valued and appreciated.
John Freifeld - MIP Founder/Director
johnfreifeld@gmail.com
I founded Miracles In Progress Aftercare Recovery Homes in Wilmington, NC in 2004. It's a structured, supportive group living environment, often referred to as a "halfway house", for alcoholics and addicts in the early stages of recovery. Most are referred to MIP through detox centers, treatment programs, drug courts, and of course their family and friends.
Each resident is provided with a shared bedroom in a residential facility, which has all the nice eminities of a comfortable home. The homes are fully self supporting with no outside funding. All expenses are met by the residents paying their rent cost of 95.00 per week. Many come to us that have no funds, or resources for funding. All unemployed residents are required to seek full time employment from 9am - 4pm Mon - Saturday.
At one time, not so long ago, this was a non issue because jobs were plentiful in the Wilmington area. It usually only took a week for a man to find employment and have the ability to start paying his way in 2 weeks. My wife and I could float them for 2 weeks. However, in the past year, things have changed. Today, it is taking a man up to four weeks of diligently searching before a job opportunity comes as a result of his efforts. Then there is the waiting period for them to collect a check, because one check is held back. We cannot afford to float them any longer then the 2 weeks we have been in the past. So, one of two sad senarios get played out. The man gets very discouraged, and looses sight of the hope of a new and better life, Thus he leaves our program and returns to his old playgrounds and play mates, which in turn leads him back to his old way of life. Or we end up terminating his residency due to his inability to pay his rental expense.
We have been blessed to see many men leave not being the same man that entered. Reuniting with family, rejoining the work force, going back to school, entering a world full of life, laughter and love.
These are not bad men. Their past lifes were controlled by the disease of addiction or alcoholism. Today they are clean and sober. They are skilled trades men, some are highly educated. All are willing to humble themselves and seek any kind of work. None are afriad of hard labor. Many have gained employment with the fast food industry, just to hold them over until something better comes forward.
But the stress they are under jeapardizes their recovery efforts today. Even getting their foot in the door of a fast food restaurant is a month long task.
We are doing all we can to help these people. If you are willing to share your ideas, potiential job opportunities, ect. It would be valued and appreciated.
John Freifeld - MIP Founder/Director
johnfreifeld@gmail.com
Tags: Employment, NC, addiction, alcoholism, economy, homelessness, wilmington, work
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