All new residents arrive at our homes with lives that have become chaotic and unmanageable. Some will fall back into old traps and habits, but many will persevere through an intensive, two-year program to put their lives back on track.

It’s why we call our homes not only transitional but transformational.

One way we describe this process of transformation is through our missional goals. These goals are based on more than 35 years of experience along with trusted behavioral science research on overcoming poverty. Economic self-sufficiency, healthy connection, and redemptive beliefs form three pillars of growth that help predict long-term success, bound by our belief that Christ-centered community makes change possible.

We recently reshaped our program evaluation tools and began recording resident progress toward each goal. Progress is scored every six months using an expanded self-sufficiency matrix, in-depth case manager reports, and new resident self-assessments to measure both objective and subjective outcomes. These outcomes provide ongoing insights that inform resident goal plans as well as overall program effectiveness.

Economic Self-Sufficiency

Goal: 75% of FirstStep residents will achieve stable levels of economic self-sufficiency upon completion of the program

Education, employment, job retention, income and benefits, affordable housing, and overall wellness/functioning all impact a resident’s ability to achieve stable levels of economic self-sufficiency. This is key to a forward trajectory. In 2022, 81% of residents achieved this fundamental self-sufficiency benchmark, with half of the residents at least doubling their scores in this category.

Healthy Connection

Goal: 70% of FirstStep residents will build healthy attachment to individuals or groups that support mutual growth and recovery

We create a sense of belonging through mutual relationships. This critical social fabric paves the way for healing, wholeness, and accountability and motivates residents to pursue healthy lifestyles. Meaningful connection is taught and modeled through the experience of living in community and through various program assignments, such as attending recovery meetings. In 2022, 81% of residents engaged in healthy, supportive relationships.

Redemptive Beliefs

Goal: 65% of FirstStep residents will experience redemptive beliefs about their personal identity, agency, and purpose

A sense of hope, purpose, and self-worth transforms the way we engage with the world. We want our residents and graduates to use their agency to move toward goodness for themselves and others. New beliefs about self-worth and efficacy are formed through spiritual mentoring, by residents feeling safe using their voice to test and challenge their experiences, and from opportunities for affirmation and validation. In 2022, 85% of residents experienced redemptive new beliefs about themselves.

Summary

Our desire is that everyone who comes to Providence Network will not simply survive, but thrive. One way we measure this process of transformation is through our missional goals. Economic self- sufficiency, healthy connection, and redemptive beliefs form three pillars of growth that help predict long-term success, bound by our belief that Christ-centered community makes change possible. See our 2022 Impact Report below for more ways Providence Network is making a difference in people’s lives.