Men’s Program Overview

Bridges of Iowa (BOI) has a rich history of successful, long-term faith-based substance abuse treatment for men. The program was originally designed as a re-entry program for men coming out of jail and/or prison, this is still one of the primary components of referrals for us, however over the years we too have worked as a diversion program, primarily in partnership with the 5th Judicial District and Drug Court. It’s not an easy program for the men who walk through our doors, but those who commit to changing their lives and are focused on their relationship with God truly experience transformational change. The average length of stay in the program is 12 – 18 months. The program consists of an orientation period and 3 treatment Phases.

Orientation

Orientation lasts approximately two weeks, where the men become used to the rules, learn expectations and write their life story. Upon completion of writing their story and presenting it to their Bridges brothers, they enter Phase 1.

Phase 1

Phase 1 lasts approximately 60 – 90 days and is where the guys begin to focus on their treatment and the ‘why’ of being at the place in their life that has landed them at BOI. They work 1:1 with licensed therapists on treatment and life goals, participate in group therapy, and attend a daily reflection time. The men are also connected with their support system. First, a Bridges Brother one who is more mature in the program and can provide daily support. Second, a treatment sponsor; this can be either an NA (Narcotics Anonymous) or AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) sponsor, depending on which is the most appropriate. Third, they are connected with a spiritual mentor from a local congregation. The spiritual mentor and becoming connected with a community of faith is the one component that sets Bridges of Iowa apart from other treatment programs.  This piece gives the men the gift of God’s grace, knowing that as others begin to forgive them and accept where they are, they can begin to accept themselves. All of these things combined, are overwhelming to say the least, but lay the foundation for the men to succeed in treatment and most importantly for the support they will need for the rest of their lives. After a period of stabilizing and identifying life and financial goals, the men begin a job search. Upon securing a position, the men move into Phase 2.

Phase 2

Phase 2 is an exciting and challenging time for the men. They have a new opportunity with employment to succeed, where they may not have had that experience before.  It is also a time when their sobriety and new faith is tested. The men are given more freedom in the community for leisure; they will work with people who may be using and need to be accountable for their treatment and actions. It is also during Phase 2 that the men begin to pay back to BOI for the opportunity to receive treatment. Prior to obtaining a job, the men receive services at no charge to them. After obtaining a job, they do pay a portion of their room & board. This allows them to begin to learn to budget their money and the contribution back to BOI allows the program to provide the same opportunity for others. The men remain in Phase 2 for approximately 60 – 90 days, even 120 days. This is where their individual accountability is tested, there is great growth but often there can be setbacks. After successfully maintaining a job and being accountable to their treatment goals, the men will enter Phase 3.

Phase 3

Phase 3 begins the final stages of treatment. The men work on solidifying their payback to the courts, child support and any other debts they may have. They also move out of the sheltered housing of the half-way house location of BOI. The men have the opportunity to rent apartments at our Vine Street location, live in a supportive community and continue to build their independence. The men are still required to regularly attend both BOI and community sobriety groups.  They too are asked to regularly attend church and be accountable to their faith-based mentor.  Phase 3 can last 90 days, but often lasts significantly longer. BOI requires the men to have at least $1500 in a savings account, to have made significant progress on their outstanding debt, be contributing members of their respective sobriety community as well as their faith-based community. At the completion of meeting all of their treatment and financial goals, the men graduate from the Bridges program. At the ceremony the men are presented with a coin that allows them opportunity to return to BOI, at any time should they need additional support to either maintain or regain their sobriety. It’s an emotional time for the men and their families. Many of the men stay involved as sponsors for the new folks who enter the program.