LA CASA 

DESCRIPTION: La Casa de Amistad’s legal services and programs foster inclusion, promote integration, and strengthen our community as we help individuals, unite families, and support immigrants in their move forward along the path to citizenship, bringing more stability and investment in our community. Our bilingual DOJ Accredited Representative and staff provide counseling, assistance, and representation for the following immigration benefits: Petitions for family members, consular processing, adjustment of status, naturalization, acquired and derive citizenship, DACA, green card renewals, work permit renewals, affidavits of support, US VISAS for victims of violent crimes

UPPER ROOM RECOVERY COMMUNITY

DESCRIPTION: While getting acclimated to the program, URRC will be providing enhanced case management services to assist our new residents and give them time to adjust to the program while continuing their recovery work. Each resident is required to attend daily 12-step meetings for the first 90 days and three meetings a week thereafter. All residents are also required to receive a mental health/addictions assessment through Oaklawn and must agree to abide by any recommendations for further treatment or therapy. Residents are also required to fulfill community service requirements while not working. The typical length of stay for successful residents is approximately 4 – 12 months.

LA CASA DE AMISTAD

DESCRIPTION: La Casa de Amistad’s Asistencia Digital (Digital Assistance) employment and computer skills program is aimed at Latino adults who have no prior experience with computer technology and have limited formal knowledge of the written English language. Asistencia Digital provides small group computer instruction classes, one-on-one support in completing online job applications, and resume writing workshops. La Casa de Amistad welcomes over hundreds of people to participate in learning, social connections, and education support each year who would not otherwise receive access to such services. Through Asistencia Digital, La Casa de Amistad’s ultimate aim is economic independence through employment and increased capability of navigating through basic technology to solve problems in both daily life and work.

BRIDGES OUT OF POVERTY

DESCRIPTION: The Michiana Bridges approach centers on a Resource Navigator who meets with employees on-site during working hours to assist them in handling non-work related problems that could otherwise result in absenteeism and ultimately job loss. The Resource Navigator is available to the employees for confidential, one on one consultation leading to the immediate resolution of a problem.

NUMBER SERVED: 450

LA CASA DE AMISTAD

DESCRIPTION: English as a New Language (ENL) is a service for our Latino immigrant and migrant population who are seeking United States citizenship and to improve their language skills. During the 10-week course offered three times each year, 60 or more students learn English through coursework centered on United States history, government, and principles of being responsible citizens as they prepare for their the United States Citizenship exam and interviews. Others, who are not preparing for citizenship have different goals and participate in a different learning track. For example, some students in the standard ENL program attend to become better with social, work-related skills in English and are not interested in reading or writing. On the other hand, there are students who are unable to read or write in Spanish or in English and we are teaching them very basic level formal concepts in both languages from the beginning. 

AIDS MINISTRIES

DESCRIPTION: The Family Support Services Program is part of the continuum of care provided by AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist (AM/AA) to HIV infected individuals and their affected families and supportive others. In order for our HIV+ clients to have better outcomes in our life skills classes we needed to open them up them up to their support systems.

RESCUE INC (HOPE MINISTRIES)

DESCRIPTION: Makin’ It Work is a collaborative effort between Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Center for the Homeless (CFH) and Hope Ministries that helps families and individuals living at CFH and Hope build economic stability. The three organizations have worked together informally for many years, referring clients to each other’s programs and collaborating on a variety of initiatives in the community. Makin’ It Work formalizes these partnerships and creates a more intentional program track, allowing clients to utilize the strengths of each organization’s programs and giving them the best chance to build stability.

CENTER FOR THE HOMELESS

DESCRIPTION: The Center for the Homeless Offsite Housing program is a permanent housing program for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness. In collaboration with US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the City of South Bend, CFH provides leasing subsidies and supportive services to households identified through our community’s Coordinated Entry (CE) system. CFH currently offers two types of subsidy: (1) rapid rehousing (RRH) for individuals and families who demonstrate minimal barriers to self-sufficiency, and (2) permanent supportive housing (PSH) for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness and a chronic disabling condition. RRH is a time-limited, transition-in-place program, whereas PSH has no time limit. In both instances, CFH coaches work with program participants to place them into scattered site rental units throughout the community. Program participants and coaches then work collaboratively to develop a housing plan, with the coach offering wrap around support in order to maintain their housing as well as connecting them with services that will facilitate housing stability.

CENTER FOR THE HOMELESS

DESCRIPTION: STAR (Skilled, Trained, Able, & Ready) is our flagship programming for adults at CFH. Located in our Job Training & Education Center (JTEC), we provide guests with comprehensive access to the educational and workforce development resources necessary to attain self-sufficiency. Each offering provides a trauma-informed approach to education and skill building. Classes consist of a community orientation and 3 programming tracks. A computer lab is open to all guests M – Sa where guests receive assistance applying for programs/jobs, updating resumes/cover letters, researching/working on school work, etc.

YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU

DESCRIPTION: The Young Moms’ Self-Sufficiency Program (YMSSP) provides opportunities for at-risk pregnant or parenting young women ages 16 through 24, and their partners if possible, to overcome the many, complex barriers to self-sufficiency and decrease the possibility of child abuse and neglect. At-risk is defined as women who are homeless or precariously housed, are likely to be victims of domestic violence, are experiencing physical and/or mental health issues, have yet to complete high school or obtain a GED, are food insecure, and lack the necessary personal documents to apply for public assistance programs.