To make a concerted effort to unite these clients and their families we network with the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, and other cooperative agencies.
 

Illinois Dept. of Family Services.

We retain our highly-successful educational, self-esteem and counseling services (life skills classes). We have certified drug and substance abuse counselors and use former residents to facilitate daily NA recovery meetings. Para-professionals and peer counseling play a big role also. Our rehabilitation target is months, not years. Empowerment is a primary key to the success of our program.

We obtain complete histories and profiles on our residents. We provide regular ongoing support groups and very close supervision of our population. All of the residents are required to save 60 percent of all money that comes into their hands. There are clear and specific rules for conduct, their own as well as their children's. The children attend classes in our own pre-school or attend local elementary schools.

Agencies dealing with substance abuse and alcohol abuse treatment and our city's homeless have enthusiastically welcomed our initiative. The city has adequate shelters for the temporarily homeless. For long-term homeless residents, especially those with a substance or alcohol addiction problem which serves to create and exacerbate their homeless condition, more needed to be done. We believe our plan has met the needs of that special population.

Chicago's Reader called us "one of the most admired shelters in the country." The Chicago Tribune (20 June 1993) noted that Sr. Connie and Sr. Therese have "probably done more to help homeless women regain their self-respect and learn self-reliance than anyone else in Chicago." Our recidivism rate (approx.6%) is less than 1/16th that of the citywide shelter average. However, the special needs of the most recidivist of female shelter population who are addicted homeless must be met by a structured program. It must identify their addiction and work with them to conquer their addiction and get their lives into shape. Without such a progam, many of Chicago's women and their children will spend years not months in "temporary" shelter. Specializing in treating such a population has not been easy. But, we must reclaim these families who have been trapped for years in what has truly become for them the revolving door of homelessness which primarily had been caused by their addiction.

Chicago Tribune

Upon arrival at St.Martin de Porres, every new resident meets with the case manager who creates background files and establishes a signed LIFE IMPROVEMENT CONTRACT with each new resident to attain self-sufficient independent living. The contracts map out a detailed chronology, enumerating and scheduling classes, appointments, and document reviews as needed. The case manager also counsels mothers whose children are in foster care and designs, with the mother's assistance and agreement, a plan of action for demonstrating parental fitness. She meets with each client at least once a week and is available every weekday on the premises should a client encounter a difficulty.

Independent Living Skills

These are a vital necessity for most residents at the shelter. They are presented at classes, lectures, or mini-courses and held weekly, bi-weekly or monthly as needed. Teachers include staff members, personnel from the social service agencies and volunteers. Presentations have included:

• Parenting skills
• Nutrition
• Home management

1. a. budgeting
2. b. consumerism
3. c. meal planning
4. d. tenant rights and responsibilites

• Drug and Alcohol Addicitions

1. a. causes and indications
2. b. how and where to obtain help
3. c. self-esteem building

• Computer Skills
• GED Preparation

Child Programs

A weekly parenting class/discussion is conducted. Ongoing,one-on-one infant and child development is conducted daily.

Each woman is responsible for her child. This is strictly enforced and observed for the safety of the children and to encourage the women to be good mothers. However, during counseling and other programs for the women, the pre-school children are involved in a structured learning program, administered by a staff person, residents in training and volunteers, as well as University of Chicago tutors. After each school day there is an hour of study time with tutoring by volunteers from Catholic high schools, supervised by a Christian brother from Brother Rice School, often ending with time for talk and play with volunteer students. The volunteers serve as very good role models for the children. Early evening there is an hour of supervised play. The children are grouped from toddler to teen. They especially look forward to this time.

The CARA Program
 

We are linked with the CARA Program to selectively choose residents who have completed our program and are totally committed to return to the work force. This program assists with initial housing and assurance of a job suited to their skills. CARA training is of the highest quality and produces extremely good results. Many of our women have already completed the program and are employed in positions that pay them well which allows them to live independently in safe and secure housing.

Alumni Association After Care
 

The Alumni Association is all past residents who meet as a group once a month. The members assist residents in making a successful transition to independent living. They stay in constant contact though personal meetings and by telephone. Most former residents remain on the south side of Chicago, even if they are not originally from there. They ensure that housing is adequate and well maintained, that educational goals, both for the mother and any children, are pursued, that dietary needs are met, and that budgets are balanced. They provide couseling on family management and relationships as well as advice or referrals for other services. They consistently lead AA and NA meetings on the premises.

Staff

As an organization serving minority women, we feel a compelling need to empower women of color in the operation of the shelter. We are proud of the ethnic diversity of our staff. Of our 14 staff, twelve are female and two are male. Twelve are African American, two are Hispanic, and two are Caucasian. Eight members of our staff are former residents.