Mission

Group Ministries, Inc. is a faith-based nondenominational inner-city multiservice program serving hard-to-reach persons with a history of a substance use disorder and AIDS. G.M.I. Wings functions within Group Ministries, conducting outreach and providing peer recovery support services primarily to African Americans and other people of color.

Peer-led Support Groups

G.M.I. Wings offers a variety of peer-led support groups. One of these, with almost 200 participants, is the “Movin On” Group for women, which focuses on helping participants discover that recovery is more than “clean time” and can be a platform for self-development. Strategies for dealing with feelings that can trigger relapse are addressed in another group called “You Feelin’ Me?” These support groups are seen as tools to strengthen motivation and foster reengagement with the community.

Computers for Employability

A peer leader provides computer instruction for those seeking employment.

Partnering for Educational Opportunity

G.M.I. WINGS has partnered with Erie Community College to create a number of recovery-friendly initiatives. The College is now offering Recovery-To-Education, an initiative that provides tutoring and fast-track financial aid and case management, if needed, to recovering persons starting or returning to college. G.M.I. Wings also has partnered with the college on a College-To-Church initiative, under which fully accredited college courses are now being offered in seven neighborhood churches.

Missing Link

G.M.I. Wings also works with local churches to develop church-based recovery support groups. Four churches are active in this partnership effort.