As a professional in the field of drug and alcohol abuse program development for the past three decades, it is clear that Minnesota has been, and continues to be, a national model for treatment services and success in recovery. In line with that history of excellence, Sober Corps adds a fitting service model to continue to take that success to the next level. The Sober Corps focus on jobs, housing, stability and long term mentoring along with self help groups is the essence of long term change and recovery. I heartily endorse their vision and commitment.

  Bob Olander, Director of Hennepin County Chemical Health Services

After meeting with the Sober Corps Board and Director, I support the development of this volunteer agency.  I think their approach, of one-to-one mentoring of addicted ex-offenders during that first, tough year back in the community, is exactly right.  It is making connections with individuals one at a time like this, and with this kind of strategic planning, that will give people a chance to succeed.

 

John Stuart, Minnesota State Public Defender

The opposite of faith is not doubt, as many of us often assume, the opposite of faith, rather is fear.  Fear immobilizes us, and keeps us from seeing Christ and that which is good in the very people we are called to serve as Christians.  Sober Corps and its ministry here at Gethsemane offers us all a chance to overcome our fears of the other and to reach out in love to those who are in need.  At the heart of the program is the idea of relationship, and it is in the relationships that we are transformed and made new, our perspectives are changed, our prejudices dissolve, and we are able to see the “humanness” of those who are marginalized and oppressed in our society.  Sober Corps is a vital ministry and an important part of the mission we are doing here at Gethsemane Church in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis.

The Rev. Aron Kramer, Vicar of Gethsemane Church

A crucial key to recovery is developing a solid sober coral support network.  Sober Corps provides a necessary link between treatment and the recovering community.  They provide a solid example of what individual recovery looks like.

George Fraser, Program Director
Salvation Army ARC Minneapolis