General Education and Development Program

The G.E.D. Program is mandatory for all our residents who have not received a high school diploma. A Christian Brother, Brother Tom Collins conducts classes on site twice a week. In addition the residents are tutored outside of class time, have allotted hours on monitors viewing video tapes GED lessons and spend individual time in private study. The goal is to register for their test and receive their certificate of completion.

Computer Literacy Program

With generous donations of computers, accessories and service from Corporations, we have put together a highly knowledgeable and motivated team of volunteers to teach basic and intermediate computer skills. Emphasis has been on helping each interested resident achieve a comfort and proficiency level in operating an Intel based PC sufficient to earn an entry level job requiring word processing skills. The classes are at capacity. Those women who have received their certificates at SMDP are enrolled in the advanced course. Others are following the lead to reach that level. Employment opportunities have been opened to our ex-residents who have received their advanced certificates.

Children's Educational Program

One trained previous resident, under staff supervision, operates our education program for the young children of pre-school age. The program meets every weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., incorporating socialization, reading, and mathematical skills. The class provides the young children with self-esteem and skills needed to ensure success in the crucial early school years. It also allows the mothers time to complete their own studies, to attend AA and NA meetings, to pursue vocational training, or to achieve other goals set forth in the Life Improvement Contracts.

The After-School Program, conducted daily by adult and young adult volunteers is also of great assistance to the school age children. One on one work is very beneficial for our children.

Counseling

The women have drug and alcohol counseling on a daily basis and in house 12-step meetings every morning co-facilitated by an ex-resident recovering substance abuser, and the professional counselor. In addition, each woman and child meets individually with the licensed clinical psychologist on a regular basis. the children also meet in a weekly group counseling session with the psychologist.

Health

Dr. Ronald Sam,D.O. conducts clinics on Fridays.

Dr. Kathleen Casper, D.O. is available for consultation and referrals when necessary.

Our Registered Nurse perfoms work ups on each resident and child, creates health files, educates, teaches adult and child CPR and conducts classes in child care. Health classes are also provided for our older elementary school age children. She maintains immunization records and makes appropriate referrals when necessary. She holds an American Red Cross Certificate plus 18 years of emergency response and is an EEO Counselor and a clinical evaluator.

Mental Health

In January of 2001 we added a clinical psychologist to our staff to deal with the anger of children and the inability of the parents to address that issue. Due to the chaotic lives they led prior to coming to the House of Hope, their anger, distrust and violence were becoming a major cause of concern. They were disruptive and unruly in school and were constantly fighting with the other children. The psychologist sees the children on an individual basis, in age related groups and with the parent as a family group.