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| Latashia Caster-Allen |
| Homespace Graduate |
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| Ms. Latashia Caster-Allen had been living
in a homeless shelter for women before learning about Homespace.
Pregnant and alone, she felt she had no place to turn... until
she learned about Homespace. She moved to Homespace... |
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What: |
Homespace Corporation is a non
profit organization that provides affordable transitional housing
and
supportive services
for homeless single parents and their children. Homespace’s
goal is to empower the parents to develop and use their talents
and abilities to become self sufficient and successful parents. |
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| Where: |
P.O. Box 462, Buffalo, New York 14209 |
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| When: |
Homespace Corporation was incorporated as a
not-for-profit organization in 1989 and opened its doors in 1994.
This organization is a registered
charity with the State of New York and has tax exempt 501(c)(3)
status from the Internal Revenue Service. |
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| Why: |
Created in response to an increase in homelessness
among, young, single parents and their children. In its more than
ten years of operation, Homespace has served hundreds of parents and children. |
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| Facilities: |
Twelve semi-furnished townhouses -- 11 two-bedroom; one three-bedroom;
one handicap accessible. Laundry facilities are located on site. |
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| Programs & Services: |
Onsite services include: support groups, educational seminars
for parents, play groups for children, recreational programs
for families, money management skills training, parenting skills
training, nutrition classes and case management.
Off-site services include: counseling, daycare, education, employment, health,
housing, legal assistance and job-training.
Individual Service Plans are developed to help each resident
to acquire the skills necessary to attain and maintain independence.
Developmental milestones are tracked in all children. Those residents
who need services not offered by Homespace and children identified
with developmental lag are referred to agencies for appropriate
intervention. |
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| Eligibility: |
Homeless, single parent, ages 18 - 25, with
one to three children up to six years of age (or in the third trimester
of a pregnancy). Referrals are from a shelter that serves homeless
individuals or by a social service program approved by Homespace.
Residents must be willing to live and work with goal-oriented approach
to independent living. |
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| Funding: |
Funded through donations, grants and shelter allowances. |
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| Staff: |
Kim Morris, Executive Director, oversees
a team of professionals who provide supportive services. The team
consists
of a Case Manager, a Family Life Educator, an Intake Coordinator,
a Fundraising & Public Relations Manager, Residential Aides
(4), Child Care Aides (3), and a Custodian. A member of the staff
is on duty twenty-four hours a day. Oversight is provided by the
Board of Directors. |
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