Four-phase program aimed at transforming Southern Nevadans’ lives

When it comes to second chances, not everyone is fortunate enough to obtain them. But for residents at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, 480 W. Bonanza Road, second chances are the focus of its work and programs.

Of the various services the Christian-based nonprofit group offers, one is a four-phase program in which needy individuals, usually those who are homeless or suffering from an addiction, acquire the skills needed to recover and gain a new lease on life.

"All through the process, (the residents) have help," said Shannon Mengel, associate director of development. "They go through a complete positive transformation. At the end of the journey, God is their addiction."

Mengel said the four phases involve attending chapel every day, working in the Rescue Mission's kitchen, the thrift store or other on-site facility, and finding a home church and small group to be a part of once the resident reaches his or her final stage of recovery.

John Fogal, director of development, said one of the program's most important aspects involves job assistance for residents. Fogal said the Rescue Mission staff is establishing partnerships with local organizations and businesses to provide residents with job opportunities upon completion of the program.

"These residents spend a year in classes under case managers and counselors," Fogal said. "One of the goals we have is for them is to sustain the life they want, and that starts with finding a job."

Preparation for job placement includes teaching residents skills for interviewing, writing résumés and working with computer software programs.

To help with the transition, the Rescue Mission staff offers basic computer skills training and brings in human resources representatives from various companies to assist with mock job interviews.

Fogal said establishing partnerships in the last two months has been crucial to the job placement program's development. Linking residents with Workforce Connections, Nevada JobConnect and Goodwill Industries' GoodProspects are just some of the Rescue Mission's newest partners.

Residents often work in the facility's kitchen, distributing food to needy individuals, or in the thrift store, where they're given an opportunity to gain retail and customer service skills. These experiences, Fogal said, allow residents to showcase their abilities to employers looking for specific skill sets.

"Part of their process here is the work assignment, whether it's in the laundry facility, maintenance, helping in the kitchen, answering phone calls," Fogal said. "So many positions with the work assignments here dovetail into the tourism and hospitality industries Las Vegas has."

Mengel said Rescue Mission residents and volunteers from churches, organizations and businesses serve 800 to 1,000 meals per day. The volunteers' exposure to residents working in the kitchen and other on-site facilities often translates into job opportunities, according to Fogal.

"We're seeing a lot of men and women get into culinary fields," Fogal said. "Some of these volunteer groups who come in - especially from the casinos - see what (residents) can do, and they make work connections. It's becoming a place where (employees) can reach out and maybe give second chances to our residents. When you add the for-profit world and the community at large that allow people to be placed in jobs, it's an amazing connection."

For more information on the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, call 382-1766 or visit vegasrescue.org.

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.