The road to recovery is long and challenging. There are tough issues to tackle and often it feels isolating.
The truth is people looking for long-term change are not alone. Many people have walked the same road and have had victory over their challenges.
There are countless success stories inside the walls of our Teen Challenge Canada buildings! Whether it’s talking to someone that is 6 weeks ahead of you on the journey, or 6 years ahead of you – the emotional support of a mentor can be transformative.
A mentor is someone that provides guidance, support, and advice to someone with less experience. They typically share their knowledge and experience with their mentee to help them grow and succeed.
During our 12-month in-residence recovery program, men and women will find two types of mentors. Firstly, they will have opportunities to establish peer mentorship within the program. While living and working together, our clients support and encourage each other along the way. Secondly, our staff is made up of accredited addiction counsellors and coaches – some who have been through the Teen Challenge program themselves! We have found that both aspects of mentoring contribute to the success of our graduates.
Approximately 25% of Teen Challenge Canada staff are graduates of our program!
Mentors Support
Did you know having a mentor during recovery actually increases success rates? For someone walking through the difficult steps of recovery, it is a huge support to talk with someone that understands the challenges because they were once in a similar place. Because of this shared experience, trust is built which fosters accountability.
A mentor provides guidance and support, encouraging the mentee when they are struggling. Recovery mentors can see cues, understand frustrations, and speak into situations because they have had similar struggles. Regular check-ins help the individual remain committed to their goals and curb the feeling of isolation.
This connection is inspiring – reminding the mentee that recovery is possible.
Even if you have not experienced addiction directly, you can walk beside someone that is by offering compassionate, heart-felt support. Be present and ask honest questions. When you’re willing to talk openly about challenges, you establish trust which enriches the mentoring relationship.
Mentors guide
Some mentors have walked a similar road and can share resources and experiences that helped them on their journey. They might talk about pitfalls they endured in hopes of saving their mentee from a similar path.
However, mentors don’t need to have shared experiences to provide a sense of community as well as accountability. Mentors listen as well as share their thoughts openly because honest conversations are healing. They celebrate growth, talk through hard days and always extend grace.
After establishing trust, a mentor can help the individual restore their confidence in themselves. This crucial step allows the person in recovery to believe that there is hope.
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
Mentors were once mentees
The ultimate full-circle moment is when the mentee becomes the mentor. Using personal challenges they have conquered, the individual can inspire someone that is struggling to believe that change is possible.
In fact, when a mentee becomes a mentor, it is a powerful thing:
- The process is a reminder of the progress they’ve made and reinforces their commitment to recovery.
- Addiction can leave a void, while mentoring fills people with purpose.
- Mentors refine their listening, guiding, and problem-solving skills.
- Mentoring someone in recovery allows the individual to see themselves in a leadership role and no longer defined by their past.
- Watching someone succeed under your guidance is very fulfilling.
- It gives purpose for the pain and suffering they walked through when someone can benefit from their victory.
Mentors Leave a Legacy
Developing an authentic and caring relationship with a mentor can be a pivotal tool for a successful recovery. At Teen Challenge Canada, we know that finding forgiveness and grace through a relationship in Christ is the ultimate key to recovery success. But we also recognize the powerful influence of mentors.
Mentors don’t just change one life, but the lives of everyone around that person. The support and guidance of a mentor help restore relationships and impacts future generations.
That’s what we call a lasting legacy!