HDS - OMS - Field Education Handbook

Project: Since 1899, Boston Rescue Mission, a not for profit Christian organization, has been helping people pursue their dreams of a better life in the Greater Boston area. Located two blocks from the Downtown Crossing subway station, we provide meals, counseling, and services for as many as 200 visitors every day, with capacity to serve 25 overnight guests. The Mission can house up to 65 female and male residents who are enrolled in one of several transitional programs. Our goal is to support the recovery, health, faith, and independence of those who have a history of substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, and homelessness.

Student Involvement: Preventing homelessness is a challenging task, to be sure. Located in a downtown urban setting, the Mission provides programs and services to chronically homeless people on a daily basis. Since the Mission offers wide array of services, the student has the flexibility to custom tailor her or his involvement to meet learning goals in the following areas: (a) spiritual leadership, (b) program management, and (c) direct mail fundraising. Spiritual leadership learning opportunities include Bible studies, spiritual mentoring, and the weekly Friday evening worship service. Moreover, the Mission offers exposure to the 12 Step recovery model, implemented in a small group setting. Program management learning opportunities range from helping with the overnight shelter to working with one or more of the transitional recovery programs (Safe & Health, Life Growth, Post-Detox, Womens Parole/Re-entry, etc). These dynamic programs can be fertile ground for students seeking direct program management experience. Direct mail fundraising learning opportunities are innumerable, covering the fundamentals of direct mail fundraising from start to finish. Because all program services are provided without monetary commitment from those we serve, the Mission raises supplemental money through direct mail solicitations. Over the course of the year, one can gain hands-on exposure to the creative elements of mail solicitations, planning mail campaigns, gift processing, donor databases, and supplementary email marketing. In sum, depending on student interest, students can be involved in a wide range of learning activities ranging from participating in the daily activities at the Mission to implementing sophisticated fund raising strategies.

Arts of Ministry Competencies: Preaching and Worship. Pastoral Care and Counseling. Administration and Program Development. Public Leadership, Community Organizing and Planning.

Harvard Divinity School

Ministry Studies

Field Education Handbook