Transitioning Tools​​
​Transitioning to a new life and lifestyle can be emotionally and physically overwhelming even in the best of cases. For former workers who have spent a large part of your life in the ministry or survivors of SA or CSA, the barriers can sometimes seem insurmountable. In those times of discouragement, please remember that you have a large and dedicated group of people who love you and desperately want to help.
The transitioning tools below provide information and resources offered by the broader fellowship to help you create and successfully implement your transition plan. Whether your biggest transitioning challenge is housing, employment, or education/training, the sections below and the loving and active support of those who want to help will help to ensure that you have a successful transition.
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Housing Exchange - The Bridges & Balm Housing Exchange is a place where those who need housing can connect with those who have or know of available housing or are able to assist (i.e cosign) those needing to qualify for a rental property. Bridges & Balm is committed to helping workers or survivors navigate the path to safe, affordable and sustainable housing. Often this path consists of one or more interim measures before a long-term solution opens up, but achieving long term safe, affordable and sustainable housing is always the goal and focus.
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Transitioning Planning - When you've spent your time serving others within the ministry, transitioning back to life outside the ministry can feel daunting. Assessing your financial and lifestyle realities and options can help you be a little less overwhelmed while you're making this big life change. To help with your financial and lifestyle planning, we have compiled a Practical Resources Packet that will assist you with the specifics of transitioning, even if you've been out of the work for awhile.
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​Employment - We encourage those who are employers or those who know of employment opportunities for transitioning workers and survivors to send job specifics and your contact info to us and we will post it here.
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Education and Training - Links to education options and education assistance links are included in the Practical Resources Packet. We also maintain an ongoing blog post series focused on education experiences for transitioning workers and survivors. In a recent blog post Greg Swenson responds to questions and provides an account of his recent experiences choosing a college degree program, understanding course transfer credits, and weighing university options.