Programs and Services for Women
Housing, Jobs and Education for Homeless Women and their Children
Caseworker
The caseworker completes an in-depth housing assessment with each resident and develops a plan with her to move forward. Referrals to programs of income maintenance, jobs, health and mental health services, GED classes and appropriate housing resources are made. Regular meetings with the caseworker are incorporated into our program.
Jobs Emphasis
An assessment is conducted including level of education, job skills and work history. Referrals are made to job training programs in Baltimore City. Residents are assisted in preparing resumes and conducting job searches.
Culinary Arts Training
Culinary arts training is an eight-week program taught on site by Chef Connie Crabtree. Each week is composed of basic cooking and kitchen skills in addition to classroom instruction. The curriculum focuses on teaching the basic skills and terms needed for employment in a commercial kitchen at the level of beginning prep cook. The Sanitation and Food Safety Certification Program is incorporated into the curriculum. Students intern off-site two days a week at local restaurants throughout Baltimore as part of their training.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Since active addiction is a major barrier to clients obtaining and keeping housing, drug testing is completed at intake and when necessary thereafter. If a resident tests positive, she must attend three NA/AA meetings each week. There are four meetings held weekly on site. Residents must provide documentation of meeting attendance. If residents do not stay clean with this level of treatment, intensive day treatment programs are mandated. If day treatment programs are not successful, inpatient treatment is sought.
Life Skills Classes
Educational seminars are provided one night each week. These programs include parenting skills, stress management, conflict resolution, budgeting and financial planning, and communication skills. Facilitators from The Family Tree and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans often staff these courses.