Gaining life skills and a second chance

Josiah Garber

The Gemeinschaft Home, a residential substance abuse treatment program for adults, is one of EMU’s quieter neighbors. Located on the south side of Mt. Clinton Pike, the home takes in criminals who are just being released from prison substance abuse treatment programs.

Just over the hill from the EMU campus is a house full of men, many convicted of serious misdemeanours, whose lives are being changed.

The Gemeinschaft Home is a rehabilitative program for men who are ex-substance abuse offenders. They come to Gemeinschaft to receive support and learn life skills so they can return to society as productive citizens.

"Our goal is to transition offenders back into the community," said Jennie Amison, Executive Director.

The Gemeinschaft Home, located at 1423 Mt. Clinton Pike, began in 1986 with one resident, and has since grown into a facility that can house 41 men. The name "Gemeinschaft," German for "community," reflects the nature of the program.

Residents spend much of their time attending house meetings, individual counseling, and group sessions, in addition to working in area businesses. They also spend time relaxing, playing basketball, and hanging out in the game room. Sometimes they go as a group to the bowling alley, theater, or other places in the community.

"We're teaching them how to have fun again-clean and sober," Amison said.

While in the Gemeinschaft Home program, the men meet with mentors from the community on a regular basis. In turn, some residents meet with at-risk youths or go into schools to share their experiences.

Residents stay at the Gemeinschaft Home for a period of six months. After completing the program, they remain in contact with Gemeinschaft for several months of aftercare.

"The average man leaving prison comes out with 25 dollars and what he has on his back," said Amison.

At Gemeinschaft, each man develops a budget and saves money he earns from working while in the program. By the time he leaves, he has gained $1,500 and valuable work skills.

Over the years, Gemeinschaft has maintained an active relationship with EMU. Some residents have spoken in classes and contracted to do work around the campus. They have also participated in the Alternatives to Violence Program at EMU and have held Gemeinschaft Home graduations in the Discipleship Center. EMU has provided food and other goods for residents.

"They are fantastic, super, God-sent neighbors," said Amison.

The Milton S. Eisenhower Foundation recently awarded Gemeinschaft a $50,000 grant toward a replication of the Delancey Street Foundation, a rehabilitative institution for ex-offenders in San Francisco. This will involve creating an auto detailing shop operated by current and former residents.

Gemeinschaft also received the 2003 "Program of Excellence Award" from the Virginia Association of Drug and Alcohol Programs.