The Academy

Equipping Men For Life!

The Mission's Life Recovery program, known as The Academy, is for men whose lives have been broken by homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, physical and mental abuses, jail and/or prison experiences. The Academy provides hope for a normal life, the opportunity for restoration, and wholeness that comes from faith in God.

What is the Academy Program?

• An 18-month (12 month residential, 6 month aftercare) rehabilitation, work-therapy, and career-development program for men.
• Upon completion of the residential phase, he enters the mandatory aftercare phase. If he is married, he can go home to complete his aftercare. However, if his single, he must complete his aftercare at our transitional apartments.

The Academy men participate in work therapy and education programs with emphasis on the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the foundation for life change. The Academy's purpose and objectives are: 

• Lead men into a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Help men conquer their addictions.
• Restore them to their families.
• Produce productive members of society.

Regardless of how they arrive, they may have these things in common

• Feeling spiritually lost and morally confused without Jesus Christ.
• Lives that are in shambles.
• A history of substance abuse and lawless behavior.
• A lack of educational, life and vocational skills.

When a man enters the The Academy, he makes a conscious decision to change and move forward in his life. It is not an easy decision. Many changes will take place over the ensuing months that will continually challenge this man in every area in his life.

What does The Academy Offer?

OPPORTUNITIES to grow in relationship with Christ through regular chapel services, devotional study, Bible-based Christian growth classes and Scripture memorization.

DEVELOPMENT of a disciplined and sustainable life style through structure, order and hard work.

COUNSELING, Case Managers, support groups and classes that aid in the recovery from addictions, co-dependency and other personal issues.

SUPPORT groups that focus on family, marriage and personal healing.

SCHOLASTIC SKILL enhancements through our Computer Learning Center. We can assist in obtaining a GED, and offer literacy classes.

CAREER EMPLOYMENT SERVICE provides assistance in the development of a career path, resumes and job readiness.

BEHAVIORAL COURSES in Anger Management.

LIFE SKILLS TRAINING in Developing Communication Skills, Decision Making, Money Management, Problem Solving and Stress Management.

The Academy Requirements

• A willingness to obey the rules and requirements of the program and to submit to its leaders.
• An openness and receptivity to Christianity.
• Be clean and sober from drugs and alcohol for 30 days (you can do your 30 day clean time here).
• A commitment to the full 18-month program.
• Take responsibility for life failures and life change.
• No drug, alcohol or tobacco use.
• No games - be serious about positive life change.

The Academy Transition Program

Transitioning Into the Community

An important step in the lives of the men who have completed the one year residential portion of The Academy is moving into the Transition Program for their aftercare. Those in aftercare have an opportunity to live in the Transitional Program for up to six months. Here they will continue their spiritual growth and recovery, and they will be one step closer to resuming life in the community and life with their families.

Many men come to the Mission with no home or prospects of having a home. They have burned many bridges with family and society. In order to give them a foot up, they need to have a place where they can make the necessary transition for employment.

The Transitional Program helps with continued aftercare, church attendance and mentoring. The men are required to save a portion of their earnings and open a bank account as an incentive to be responsible. By saving their earnings while in the Transitional Program, they have enough money to begin a life in the community when they are ready to leave.

Current Needs
Volunteer Opportunities

The Academy
310 G Street
Fresno CA 93706
(559) 268-0839

Rev. Bud Searcy, Director, Ext. 115
bsearcy@fresnorm.org

Frank Vasquez, Case Manager, Ext 111
fvasquez@fresnorm.org

Jake Gonzales, CATC II*  
Aftercare, Ext. 112
jgonzales@fresnorm.org

Rev. Robert Alanis, LCPC*, CDAAC* 
Academy Marriage & Family Counselor, Ext. 127
ralanis@fresnorm.org

Pablo Davalos, Work Supervisor, Ext. 114
pdavalos@fresnorm.org

Will Sims, Coordinator II: Work Supervisor/Counselor, Ext 116
wsims@fresnorm.org

Kristi Nichols, Employment Specialist, Ext 126
knichols@fresnorm.org  

Marcelo Lopez, Senior Steward, Ext 133
mlopez@fresnorm.org

Acronym Index:

CATC:  Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor
CDAAC:  Certified Drug, Alcohol & Addictions Counselor
LCPC:  Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor
RAS:  Resident Addictions Specialist