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Homespace Corp. has been serving
young mothers 18 to 25 years old since 1994, providing transitional
housing and services.
But when administrators realized there was the same need for even
younger mothers, they built a group foster home for them.
Second Chance Home, which held its grand opening Friday at 1171
Michigan Ave., will serve very young, homeless teenage mothers, ages
14 to 17, with one to two children.
"The first residents - many of whom have a history of living in
emergency shelters, substandard and overcrowded housing or never
having a permanent address - should move in by the end of the year,"
said Lisa LaValley, Homespace spokeswoman.
"Referrals will come from homeless shelters and various county,
city and other social service agencies," said Thelma Roberts, executive
director of Homespace. She said many of the young women have lived
in environments that are highly dangerous to themselves and their
young children and most often are in abusive relationships.
"Second Chance Home will make a lasting, positive impact in
the lives of these young mothers and their children," Roberts said.
"Not only will we be helping the mothers to achieve their goals,
but we will be influencing how their children view the world."
The two-story brick building will house eight families in their
own bedrooms. There are four bathrooms, a common living room/community
room, kitchen, dining room and children's playroom. In addition,
there is an outdoor playground provided by Fisher-Price.
On-site services include support groups, educational seminars for
parents, play groups for children, recreational programs for families,
training in money management and parenting skills, nutrition classes
and case management. The mothers are required to continue their education
in order to be eligible for the program.
The home was built with the help of $901,850 from the state's Homeless
Housing and Assistance Program; $52,150 from HOME Grant Program of
Erie County, a federal program; and $100,000 from United Parcel Service. |
