Family
Case Management and Therapy
Once a client is accepted into our 120-day program, they are required to participate in our professional services which include case management and therapy. Each family receives a Psychological Evaluation and Depression survey, which is completed during the first 7 days in the program. Drug tests & alcohol testing are run on the adult family members and sent to a lab for analysis. Based on the assessment, the Client Service Team and residents agree on a case plan and identify/develop a plan for reaching each goal. Within the family plan, each adult has an individual mental health plan. The team meets with residents weekly to document that services are delivered, to identify and resolve problems that may occur with accessing and utilizing of services, to identify changes in residents' needs, and to identify any additional services needed. Case notes and progress are maintained in a confidential case file. Regular meetings are held with the Client Service Team and reassessments are conducted as needed.
All families enrolled in our program must participate in mandatory therapy, case management, employment preparation, parenting education and credit repair services while they receive free or reduced housing in our two-bedroom apartments. Throughout our three-phased program, our comprehensive services ensure clients achieve three self-sustaining goals:
- All adults either secure or improve their employment position upon entry into our program.
- All clients are required to participate in our mandatory savings program.
- All clients must learn at least three new independent living skills such as household budgeting, employment/Internet job search, resume writing skills, and/or conflict resolution skills.
Professional & Educational Services
Employment Services:
When clients come to us in need, many of them are employed, but are still considered the working poor. Others are actively seeking employment opportunities. Our case managers work with clients by helping them identify their skills, develop a resume, conduct mock interviews, and discover the best practices for interviewing and job search. Clients are expected to diligently connect with potential employers and seek ways to upgrade their employment status. Our case managers gather and collect various employment opportunities, and then shares with clients according to their skill set, availability, and individual goals. Clients have access to appropriate business attire through our "Dress for Success" professional clothing closet.
L.E.A.R.N.:
L.E.A.R.N (Life-skills, Education, Attitude, Resources and Nutrition) was designed to bring community leaders and professionals together with our clients to expand their knowledge. Facilitators prepare and present information to our clients that will help them succeed today, tomorrow, and in the future. We work with corporate partners and individuals to build a diverse speaker line-up, bringing as much value to our clients as possible. Our professional team of therapists also conduct workshops focusing on psychosocial education and mental health.
School on Wheels Tutoring:
The children in our shelter receive on-site tutoring in collaboration with School on Wheels. School on Wheels matches volunteer tutors with children experiencing homelessness in six Southern California counties. Their tutors work with students for one hour, once a week, providing support at a time of great stress. They tutor at libraries, schools, and shelters, and offer school supplies in addition to educational programs. Through School on Wheels tutoring, our children develop better study skills and improve their academic status.

Children’s Enrichment Programs
Our families are required to participate by attending weekly groups, engaging in our children's enrichment activities, and encouraged to participate in our on-site tutoring services.
-
School on Wheels Tutoring: On-site tutoring in collaboration with School on Wheels. School on Wheels is a non-profit dedicated to offering free tutoring and mentoring services to school-aged children (K-12) experiencing homelessness. Children develop better study skills and improve their academic status.
-
Birthday Boxes: Parents receive boxes with age-appropriate gifts for their children along with party supplies so families can celebrate birthdays while minimizing expenses.
-
Children’s Activities: Year-round for the children at the Shelter to help them develop social skills and create memories for a lifetime. All of these events are made possible by the generosity of donors and kind individuals throughout our community. Special children's activities throughout the year include:
-
Quakes Family Baseball Night: Families go to LoanMart field to watch the Quakes play and experience all the fun a live baseball game brings. Play ball!
-
Make-and-Take A Pumpkin: Every Fall, our children are invited to a pumpkin decorating party, where they get to pick out and decorate their very own pumpkin. It's a "gourd" time for all!
-
Thanksgiving Feast: Our families get to enjoy a delicious and home-made Thanksgiving meal. Food, friendship, fun!
-
Breakfast with Santa: Families enjoy a morning of Christmas fun! They receive a special visit from Santa Claus, a yummy breakfast, family portraits, and fun holiday activities. Ho Ho Ho!
-
Back to School Party: Before the start of a new school year, our families gather one last time to celebrate the end of summer. All of the children receive brand-new backpacks filled with school supplies to ensure they have all the tools to succeed in the coming academic year.
-
Christmas in July: Since our program is 120 days and not all families stay with us during the holidays, every July we host "Christmas in July" to celebrate and bring all the joy that comes with the holidays. Children receive Christmas presents and enjoy activities such as Christmas cookie decorating and holiday crafts.