Chicago Sun Times

Our social ministry calls us to address the economic, educational, and addiction difficulties faced by the homeless women, children, and pregnant teens of Chicago. We meet basic human needs while supplying a wide range of support services and working with other organizations for supplemental services. We seek to end, not merely suspend, the despair and dependence of homelessness primarily through our programs for recovering addicted women. We strive to attain this goal through a series of clear, coordinated, and essential objectives.

   • To provide a safe, secure, and peaceful 24-hour living environment;

   • To provide nutritionally balanced meals and snacks;

   • To provide spiritual direction and depth in the recovery program;

   •To provide group, individual counseling and family counseling for women and their children and pregnant teens;

   • To provide health care and health education to all residents and pre-natal care for pregnant women;

   • To provide educational, personal development and life skills training, e.g. budgeting of income, including assessments of talents;

   • To provide educational and social development to pre-school age children

   • To provide substance abuse treatment for those who are addicted;

   • To provide parenting and family life classes and to aid in structuring new living situations;

   • To provide the women with computer training, vocational training, and skill development to help them make life choices;

   • To provide follow up services to former residents after they leave the shelter to ensure successful independent living;

   • To provide emotional and educational support and advocacy to prevent at-risk families from becoming homeless;

   • To provide guidance, spiritual growth and healing to our young and junior high residents.

Progress toward meeting these objectives is fostered and closely monitored by the case worker and the executive director. Data is compiled on the number of women served and assistance provided. This information is reviewed frequently to assess present services and to determine needed improvements. The data is also available in the form of statistics to help other agencies better serve the homeless.