Former drug and alcohol addicts back to work

#HELPUKRAINE | news

Despite the daily missiles and besieging, life in Ukraine goes on. World Partners has given a professional boost to two businesses supporting two rehabilitation centers in Ukraine. These companies  provide services in cleaning and construction. Now instead of depending on funds, these centers can convert into those who give. It is the idea of giving people a fishing rod instead of fish. Moreover, in the final phase of the drug rehabilitation and recovery program, participants are offered work; men can work in construction, women in cleaning.

In the women’s and men’s rehabilitation centers, people work on restoring themselves. They had to deal with unpleasant circumstances in life and numbed themselves with alcohol or drugs. In the final phase of their process, participants are guided to commit themselves through Business as Mission. Aleks drew up a business plan with the following points:

  1. Despite martial law, there is a need and a market for home renovations and cleaning jobs.
  2. Many people in rehab are skilled. Many men have handyman experience and women have experience with cleaning work.
  3. Work experience is a good conclusion to the rehabilitation phase. The rehabilitants start a new successful chapter in their lives. Assistance can be provided where necessary.
  4. With their own earned money they can help their families in these economically difficult times.
  5. In addition to the work, the participants take part in a Christian and social projects every month. As a result, they develop compassion for fellow human beings in need and are a hopeful example.
  6. Fifty percent of profits go back to the rehabilitation center with the purpose to finance overheads and accumulate funds for the opening another similar projects with more rehabilitations centers.

Cleaning company for women

Thanks to World Partners the professional cleaning company has access to solid cleaning machines such as a steam cleaner and good wet and dry vacuum cleaners. This allows the team to perform specialist cleaning, cleaning windows, carpets and furniture. Something high in demand. Brand awareness is increasing and more orders are coming in. There are even plans to copy the BAM concept in another location.

Construction company for men

The men of the established construction company have plenty of work to do. They tackle everything and anything; the rough construction work such as laying bricks for walls and pouring concrete floors or ceilings. They can also install heating, water, sewerage and an electricity network. Thanks to the support of World Partners Makita’s professional machines support the construction workers. They are currently working on a church renovation. Home renovations are planned for the spring. Just like in the Netherlands, there is plenty of work in construction branche, especially during the war situation.

Change with impact

‘From my personal experience I’m confident that the best way to preach the Gospel is when you work together or do something to meet needs of people.’ Says Aleks. He continues: ‘This creates a platform for open and trustworthy relations not only on aa personal level, but also between rehabilitation centres, neighbors and local institutions. We support rehabilitates with the tools and equipment for them to go out of rehab, add value to the community and build relations.

In this regard, rehabilitants know what it is like when Jesus touches you and changes your heart. ‘Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.’ (Luke 4:47) This means that they do not hide their Christianity while they are working. In this way we continue to build God’s Kingdom in Ukraine together.’