Grateful Living is a ministry branch of The Calling, Inc. We currently operate only one co-ed home but would like to add to Grateful Living so it will consist of different types of Christ-centered housing for both men and women/children who have been directly impacted by the cycles of addiction, homelessness, domestic violence, and/or incarceration.
Grateful Living exists to meet the needs of people in different phases of their recovery and life and to provide a faith-based environment conducive to the teachings of Christ.
We are currently working to raise the funds to purchase a home for women/children that would be at no cost to the resident.
"And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."
This is a workbook which will be required to complete by all residents of the 12-month residential stay in the transitional homes.
Our transitional homes will be a 12-month residential stay. All residents must complete our B.A.S.I.C. R.O.O.T.S. discipleship program, which is a workbook that will be fashioned for the individual to work at their own pace and with a mentor who will be provided through our ministry.
B.A.S.I.C. R.O.O.T.S. is being developed and written by our founder, Chasty King. The workbook will consist of twelve subjects of biblical studies/topics which contain principles that are designed to lead people into a growing relationship with Christ and equip believers for the work of the ministry. The acronym (B.A.S.I.C. R.O.O.T.S.) stands for, “Brothers and Sisters in Christ Rising Out of the Sin.”
In the transitional homes, residents will not be required to pay rent, nor will they have any required expenses. All necessities for living will be provided. This includes rent/utilities, hygiene products, bedding, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc. For food, each resident must agree to apply with the local Food and Nutrition Services and sign a waiver for the ministry to be the authorized representative of their allotted amount which they are eligible for. Each allotted amount for every individual will be placed on one electronic benefit card (EBT) and groceries will be bought together for the house. Grocery lists will be provided, and every resident should assist in completing the list each week. Dinner meals will be encouraged to be cooked together. Nutrition is an important aspect that we regard highly, therefore, healthier options for food will be purchased.
During the 12-month residential stay, residents are expected to engage in education classes which will be provided in house through the ministry, as well as 12-step community involvement and/or other involvement in recovery related programs/meetings. Education classes will include topics such as credit repair, exercise, clean & healthy eating, resume building, finances (budgeting/investing/debt), neuroplasticity, and emotional intelligence.
In addition, church attendance is also expected along with finding ways to volunteer and serve in different communities and local missions such as Salvation Army, Hope Vibes, Hope Dealer mission, etc. Furthermore, the ministry will provide means for social & fun activities to the residents such as hiking, bowling, movies, cookouts, events, conferences, or retreats. Gym memberships will also be provided.
If a resident owns a car upon entering the program, they will be required to forfeit their keys and not be allowed to drive. Necessary transportation will be provided for residents such as to and from church, meetings, doctor/dental appointments, and work. Residents will be assisted with obtaining any important missing documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, and/or license/ID. Residents will also be assisted with pursuing a GED/high school diploma and/or college if desired. Each resident will have a personal plan that is tailored to the individual in terms of obtaining employment and preparation for their transition out of the home. As individuals work towards independence, they will be expected to begin saving a portion of their wages received from their employer. Depending upon their progress and employment status later into their stay, the resident may be eligible to obtain approval to either purchase a car or drive the one they already own; however, there will be strict driving restrictions during their 12-month residential stay.
To provide accountability and safety, all residents will be expected to complete drug screening 2-4 times weekly. Positive screens are grounds for dismissal from the home; however, each situation will be assed individually and a final decision will be made together by the staff through prayer and seeking the wisdom of God.
Each resident will be allowed visitation with their family and/or support system under strict requirements that must be determined and approved by staff. Phone and internet privileges will also be determined by staff.
Upon completion of their 12-month residential stay, residents will be eligible for transition into our affordable homes. The affordable homes will act as a "step-up." In the affordable homes, residents must have a job unless disabled and will be required to pay rent based on their income. In the affordable homes, residents will be able to come and go as they please as long as they are back by curfew. Residents can stay overnight for up to three days. Communication is key and each resident will be expected to communicate with our leadership team about their schedule. Company will be allowed to visit but keep in mind we want to ensure a safe and positive environment that is conducive to the teachings of Christ. No boyfriend/girlfriends will be allowed to stay overnight. Residents will still be expected to attend at least three meetings per week whether this is recovery or 12-step related or church or bible study, etc.
If there are no placements available for our affordable homes for graduates of the 12-month residential stay in the transitional home, then a plan will be put in place for each individual to connect them with resources for housing.
As we grow and expand we will add a thrifting store to have all proceeds go back into the ministry. We will need a building, a truck, and some volunteers to begin this.
When we increase in residents we will begin offering services to not only serve our community but to also provide a safe environment for employment for our residents if interested.
"And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."
B.A.S.I.C. R.O.O.T.S. is a workbook written by our founder, Chasty King. Early in her walk with God and recovery, she was led to be involved in a secular twelve-step program. This program played a huge role in helping her maintain her deliverance. It taught her how to live a life without drugs and God used this fellowship in extravagant ways. The Lord strategically used the step process and her working with a sponsor to reveal truths about her childhood and other parts about herself that brought inner healing. However, it wasn’t just that program that she can give sole credit to for her growth, especially in Christ. It was the continual work of the Holy Spirit inside of her using not only the 12-step program but also all the things outlined in this book:
1. Salvation
2. Identity
3. The love of God
4. Deliverance
5. Sanctification
6. Community
7. Apostolic & Prophetic Ministry
8. Kingdom vs. Religion
9. Purpose & Vision
10. Service
11. Honor
12. Go ye!
Think of a tree for a moment. What is something the tree absolutely has to have in order for the tree to live and grow? What does it need for it to thrive? What is the most important part of the tree? Roots! But it’s not just one or two roots. A tree must have a root system. Trees need proper water, minerals, and nutrients for survival. How does a tree get these things? By absorbing them through their roots. Did you know roots also store necessary nutrients and food for future needs? In colder, winter months, this is especially important. Nutrients tend to be less plentiful than in the summer. This storage by the roots is how trees survive the colder months. Because of the roots, the tree doesn’t go hungry during this time and still gets the nutrients it needs to continue to grow.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 tells us:
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not [a]fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
So, think of yourself as a tree. In order for you to live and grow you must have roots. We all need proper water, minerals, and nutrients for survival and I’m not just talking physically but spiritually. In order for you to thrive to your fullest potential, a basic development of a strong root system is a must. The twelve topics in this workbook are twelve “roots” that are meant to develop that root system. This root system will not only provide you with the basic nutrients you need spiritually to live in the present now but it will also equip you for times of spiritual dryness, which every believer of Christ will eventually go through.
The format of this workbook is similar to the workbook which Narcotics Anonymous has written and uses in their program for working their steps. Instead of twelve steps however, B.A.S.I.C. R.O.O.T.S. has twelve topics. Just as the steps contain principles to apply to your life, so do the topics contain principles for application. Both books have different subsections that contain sets of questions designed to not only bring inner healing, but reveal truths about one’s self and their life.
In addition, both books are designed to be worked through with someone else. In Narcotics Anonymous, they suggest you work with what they call a sponsor. For B.A.S.I.C. R.O.O.T.S. it can be a mentor or some other trusted person. As long as the person has a working knowledge of the topics and is being led by the Holy Spirit with a heart of God, that person should qualify as someone who can help guide you through the process of working B.A.S.I.C. R.O.O.T.S. Preferably, it should be a member of the body of Christ. Someone who not only is being led by the Holy Spirit but someone who has the Holy Spirit living on the inside of them.
To note, B.A.S.I.C.S. R.O.O.T.S. is not intended to replace the step work process with a sponsor in any 12-step program but is intended to be paired with it. As mentioned, God strategically used the 12-steps in Chasty's life. We believe God will strategically use that same process for others along with B.A.S.I.C. R.O.O.T.S. just as He did with Chasty.
Stay tuned! It's going to be BIG!