CHRIST-CENTERED MINISTRIES

The goal is not simply to get people off the streets, but to provide a comprehensive array of supports that assist people in achieving stability which allows them to move forward with their lives. By providing housing (interim ICMS and permanent supported) and support in a client-centered environment, our various programs engage clients to create an atmosphere of trust where opportunities for change can be discovered.

In partnering with local churches, missions and shelters, Christ-Centered Ministries bridges the gap between homelessness, initial recovery and full restoration. We will not rest until facilities have been built and services have been provided to every man, woman and child who needs a safe haven to continue on their road to full restoration.

CCM’s core service is to provide interim and permanent supportive housing to formerly incarcerated individuals who may also be at risk or have experienced homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorder, or human trafficking. In conjunction with the facilities, clients are offered an array of services that prepare them for independent living. These include: intensive case management (to provide clients with resources, support, and services that help them stabilize and meet personal goals); meal services (to provide three nutritious meals a day through Manna Feast Catering Services); clinical counseling (to address trauma, mental health challenges, and substance recovery); employment training and placement (to support clients in obtaining and retaining living wage employment and job skills); goal planning (to identify specific and measurable personal and life goals, and steps to achieving these goals); health services (to provide medication and/or counseling to address and manage health issues); and assistance with public benefits (to help stabilize clients). Clients are referred to the program through the Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR) in Los Angeles County. CCM is a faith-based organization; however, all programs and services are open to individuals of all backgrounds, sexual orientations, experiences, and belief systems.

To engage diverse audiences in culturally appropriate outreach and engagement, CCM first seeks to understand the needs, experiences, and demographics of the target audience. Then, CCM staff are well trained in understanding the drivers and impacts of incarceration on individuals, families, and communities. This training creates heightened sensitivity so that staff and volunteers can have trauma-informed interactions with clients and client-serving organizations.

CCM understands that the reentry community is not homogenous and is composed of individual communities with differing needs. CCM’s guiding principle is to reflect the demographics, culture, and diversity of LA County’s reentry population. To meet this need, CCM intentionally recruits staff, board/committee members, and credible messengers who are diverse in language, ethnicity/race, experience, and identity.

CCM’s core strengths are providing comprehensive direct services to vulnerable individuals and sharing best practices with peer groups and the broader community. All clients are referred through the Office of Diversion and Reentry, and CCM has very quickly earned the respect and trust of ODR as evidence by the exponential growth of CCM’s contracts with ODR in the last three years. Further, CCM is able to manage the bureaucratic requirements of ODR contracts, including reporting, compliance monitoring, quality control, and data sharing – strengths that easily translate into contact tracing management and implementation.

As a transitional housing provider, CCM is very familiar with providing government regulated services that require strict adherence to documentation and guidelines. Examples include substance use testing, medication management for clients, and documentation of services provided – all requirements of the Los Angeles County Office of Diversion and Reentry contract requirements.

CCM has experienced several positive COVID-19 cases in its transitional housing units. CCM understands the impact of positive cases on operations, contact tracing, and client and staff health and safety. In addition to having the capacity to implement contact tracing protocols, the CCM team can provide reassurance, coaching, support, and guidance to organizations that have similar experiences.

Further, because CCM staff interact with clients of varied backgrounds and experiences (including homelessness, trauma, and incarceration), staff understand how to ask probing questions in a manner that is direct, approachable, and adaptive to the needs of each client. CCM staff are well-trained on trauma-informed approaches to client services and can create strong rapport with diverse individuals.

• We have served a total of 712 clients as of October 29, 2020.
• We have opened a Reentry Intensive Case Management Services (RICMS) program in 2019.
• We have opened 12 interim houses, surpassing a goal of 10 houses.
• Clients currently save 50% of their income in money orders as a preparation for their transition into permanent housing.
• We have updated all houses and offices to be compliant to CDC standards for COVID-19.
• We are developing our very own permanent supportive housing facilities.
• We have established our Micro Social Enterprise (MSE), Manna Feast Catering Services, and in the process of extending their food services to external agencies.
• We have an initiative for another Micro Social Enterprise, a laundry service for transitional facilities, to employ clients.
• We have grown rapidly over the past 3 years to employ 206 employees and counting.