The construction of Second Chance
Home, a haven for homeless, pregnant teenagers and teen parents and
their families, will be getting a nearly $1.3 million boost from
New York State.
Brian J. Wing, commissioner of the state Office of Temporary and
Disability Assistance, joined other officials in announcing the grant
Tuesday in the headquarters of Homespace Corp. on Ellicott Street.
Witnessing the event was Zara Murray-Gregory, just 4 months old,
who was in the arms of her mom, Jessica Gregory, a Homespace resident.
"This funding will provide teens the opportunity to take advantage
of the safety, support and stability that the Second Chance Home
will offer, so that they can acquire the strength and the skills
they need to begin building a better future for themselves," Wing
said.
Homespace will construct the new facility -- for girls 16 and 17
-- nearby, at Michigan Avenue and Dodge Street. Construction is expected
to get under way next spring.
The dormitory-style building will accommodate a dozen families.
Teen mothers will have access to a variety of services to help them
care for their children and prepare for their future. Homespace staffers
will encourage continuing education and offer instruction in such
areas as parenting, budgeting, nutrition and time management.
John A. Johnson, commissioner of the state's Office of Children
and Family Services, said that through the funding, the state is
continuing to build on its "welfare reform accomplishments by
providing community-based organizations like Homespace with the resources
to help families reach their full potential."
Thelma Roberts, executive director of Homespace, said, "As
a group residence, the Second Chance Home will build upon the success
of the Homespace model.
"We will bring together fundamental elements lacking in these
teenage mothers' lives, including emotional support, structure and
discipline," she said. "We will create a road that leads
away from dependency on public welfare and toward independence and
success."
County Executive Joel A. Giambra said, "Homespace will make
a lasting, positive impact in the lives of these young mothers and
their children."
More than 100 young single parents, mostly women, have found jobs
and have improved their lives through the program.
"Homespace provides transitional housing to single parents
willing to work to better their lives," Roberts said. "Many
of these families were in social isolation. Some of the residents
were socially wounded by living with others who did not have their
best interests at heart."
Earlier this year, Homespace was visited by Sen. Hillary Rodham
Clinton, D-N.Y., and Rep. John J. LaFalce, D-Town of Tonawanda, who
also were instrumental in granting the agency more than $800,000
for the new housing.
"I look for creative and effective programs that can make a
difference if they are replicated," Clinton has said. "Homespace
works." |
