Aftercare/Alumni Department
The Aftercare Department of Minnesota Teen Challenge functions with a two pronged approach.
- We work to empower our current residents with the tools necessary to help them rebuild the practical, social, and spiritual network they will need to continue walking in the freedom they've discovered. During the final months of their program, each resident, with the encouragement and support of staff, works to develop their own aftercare plan. This plan includes such components as employment, housing, support groups, mentors and a home church. We work continually to build our network of relationships with employers and housing providers who are willing to give our graduates (particularly those with felonies) an opportunity to prove themselves in the market place.
- Following graduation, we connect alumni of the program together in social events, support groups as well as offering ongoing resources for housing and employment.
Aftercare Services: Level 4 of the Life Care Program
Upon entering the final level of the program, (Level 4) residents complete an Aftercare Needs Assessment form that is integrated into MnTC's database. This document assesses the resident's plans and the challenges they face as they prepare to transition out of the program. Up-to-date information on job opportunities, housing, educational opportunities, support groups, counseling services, mentors, government support programs, transportation assistance, credit research, and various other resources are available to Level 4 residents through an internal website that is accessible in all of MnTC's on-site computer resource rooms.
Alumni Association
The Alumni Association provides graduates with ongoing resources for housing and employment and helps them stay connected to Teen Challenge and to each other through social events and support groups. We have recently established a small "call center" where we have graduate volunteers contacting other graduates in the evening hours to encourage and pray for them.
