Life Skills Program

Our Life Skills Program works with each woman individually to make a plan (M.A.P.) that specifically helps her overcome the challenges that have kept her from lifelong stability. The women also learn to live cooperatively in a community environment and build their fiscal management skills by paying rent and managing their household budgets. They work on individual development plans and set goals related to life skills such as time management and budgeting, education and employment in a supportive and caring faith community.

Body
 Exercise
 Nutrition
 Workshops on positive health habits

Mind
 G.E.D. training
 Career education
 Life skills, such as budgeting and cooking classes
 Group and individual counseling
 Recreation and group activities

Spirit
 Daily prayer and devotionals
 Weekly Bible studies
 Quarterly retreats and conferences
 Worship services

2nd Step Program

Our Second Step apartment building is designed to allow residents who have completed the Life Skills Program to move into their own apartments and begin establishing a truly independent life. By paying below-market house fees, residents can begin building up their savings while practicing discipline and responsibility.

Living Hope continues to provide support and encouragement as the residents work towards higher education and better jobs. This Second Step provides a true transition from the structured environment of our Life Skills Program to complete self-sufficiency.

Outcomes

Measurable short-term and intermediate outcomes are seen during weekly meetings with residents. A worksheet is used to track each area of the Program (spiritual, physical, mental/emotional, time management, employment, financial). At the weekly meeting, the Life Skills Program Manager makes an assessment of the resident’s progress in each area and holds them accountable to their established goals.

Some examples of the short-term goals during this time are getting the resident’s GED, getting a driver’s license, finding a daycare for their children, learning how to manage a household budget and determining the skills training they will acquire. Some of the intermediate goals are to pay off any debt that has kept them from acquiring housing, build a rental history, purchase a car, take and complete Certified Nurse’s Assistant training or some other type of training, while learning how to live cooperatively in a community environment. They will also learn nutritional and meal planning skills. Some long-term outcomes are developed in the Exit Plan worksheet which is issued three months before leaving Living Hope. This helps the residents to address the various details of establishing new housing. In addition, the Life Skills Program Manager works with the resident and helps them develop their two- to five-year vision beyond Living Hope. This vision statement will serve to keep them focused on their future goals. It will also be used to follow up with each resident.