Program Highlights
Homespace is a safe haven where many young single parent families
can begin a new life of personal growth and move toward economic
independence.
Through collaborative efforts with other agencies, individual needs
assessments, enrichment seminars, and day-to-day contact with caring,
nurturing, and supportive staff, residents are provided with the
tools necessary for advancement toward their goals.
Referral Network
Over the last eleven years, Homespace has developed a network of
agencies and organizations that refer their clients to us, including:
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Buffalo Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program |
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Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Task Force |
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Catholic Charities |
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Compass House |
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Cornerstone Manor |
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Erie County Department of Social Services |
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Erie County Family Court |
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Haven House |
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Lakeshore Behavioral Health Inc. |
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Local Churches |
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NYS Office of Children & Family Services |
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Women & Children’s Hospital |
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YWCA |
In 2004, 181 single, homeless parents were referred to us. We were
able to provide transitional housing and services to 22 families
during the year.
Independent Living Training
While residing at Homespace, families are provided with a wide array
of services to prepare them for independent living. These services
include, but are not limited to:
Case Management Services include an educational/vocational assessment
to assist the parent in deciding on a course to complete their education
through high school, GED preparation, or a two- or four-year college.
Due to circumstances or learning styles, it may be determined that
the best course of action is to pursue placement in a skilled trade
or short-term training, job-readiness, or on-the-job training program.
Efforts are made to eliminate problems or barriers that caused the
termination of previous education or employment efforts. The case
manager also assists the parents in planning and preparing for the
transition to housing in the community. Follow-up services are provided
for up to six months after the family returns to the community. Twenty
families received case management services in 2004.
Family Life Education provides training and monitoring in household
budgeting, nutrition, meal planning and preparation, parenting skills,
proper cleaning techniques, time and stress management. All families
are encouraged to select a primary physician and seek regular medical
care rather than seeking services from an emergency room. Close follow-up
is provided to insure that the parent & child follow instructions
and return for follow-up care after hospitalization, emergency visits
and medical office visits.
Preschool Education & Infant Stimulation: Initial
assessments are performed to insure that all children’s immunizations
are up-to-date and that their developmental milestones are not significantly
delayed. Parents are taught how to develop safe play areas and how
to implement age-appropriate play activities a home. The importance
of proper nutrition for children is stressed. Children attend bi-weekly
play group, where they can socialize with other children and participate
in activities to improve their gross and fine motor skills, as well
as speech.
Family Enrichment Education: Parents attend workshops that are held
bi-weekly on topics that will enrich the lives of the families and
educate parents on topics relevant to their advancement and lifestyle
changes. Some of the topics covered have included:
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Nutrition & Food Preparation |
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Positive Leisure-Time Activities |
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Conflict Resolution |
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Date Rape |
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Sista to Sista |
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Community Resources |
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Volunteerism |
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Breast Cancer |
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Making a Good First Impression |
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Healthy Homes |
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Housing Opportunities |
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Computer Literacy |
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AIDS/Preventative Health |
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Women’s History |
Self-Esteem Development: Nearly
85% of our residents have experienced some form of abuse -- domestic
violence, sexual
abuse, child neglect/abuse
or alcohol/substance abuse. Along with this substantial amount of
abuse, Homespace’s staff has observed a marked increase in
previously undiagnosed mental health issues in the new residents.
This increase in undiagnosed mental health issues, coupled with the
effects of abuse, has caused many of our residents to develop very
low self-esteem and has made the job of preparing many of them for
independence more time-intensive and challenging.
As a result of
the changing needs of our residents, we added a third component
to the overall program – an individualized assessment
and education program that builds resident's self-esteem
and their belief that they can achieve their goals.
This new program component begins within the first 30-days of residency,
once the initial assessments are completed. It encompasses four
main areas: self-empowerment, assertiveness, active listening, and
motivation.
Sessions are conducted both as an individual and as a member of
a group, depending on the needs of each resident. Discussions, printed
materials, video tapes, and role-playing exercises are utilized
as
learning tools. |
