Family Promise of South Palm Beach County

The Road to Independence program provides housing, wholesome food, and basic necessities for families with children experiencing homelessness. The goal of the program is to return families to self-sufficiency, providing them with a yearlong mentoring program following graduation from the sheltering component to ensure continued success. Graduation is dependent on acquiring a job, establishing a savings account and moving into a new home. The Road to Independence program is structured to last for 90 days. However, if families require additional support their stay may be extended as Family Promise SPBC does not receive government funding that restricts length of stay. Families sign a "covenant" that outlines their responsibilities while they are in the program. Comprehensive services include but not limited to: employment assistance, education in budgeting and parenting, as well as family/individual counseling. Once bills are paid and enough money is saved for an apartment, help is provided to find and furnish the new home with everything needed from furniture to dish ware and linens. Family Promise SPBC stays in touch with our families indefinitely, supplying holiday gifts, school supplies and occasional summer camp subsides for children.Homelessness is a very stressful and traumatic experience and we are proud of our 98% success rate of our graduates! The distinctive feature of the Family Promise SPBC model is that its core servicesare supported by a collaborative interfaith system provided by local congregationsthat work together to house families overnight and to provide meals and nurturingsupport. The post-graduation volunteer Mentoring program provides a trained mentorthat helps ensure the family's continued connection to a host of continuing services,child care, and emergency funds. Referrals come from community programs including 211, the Lewis Center and other social service agencies, Palm Beach County schools, the internet, word of mouth, and local churches, synagogues and mosques.

The Mentoring Program is designed to help families navigate challenges that can arise as they strive to maintain their independence. Families living in poverty may have minimal support systems. Due to limited resources our families remain at risk of returning to homelessness. Through the mentoring program, families are matched with trained volunteers who work with them, one-on-one, for one year. Mentoring creates an opportunity to form a unique relationship with a mentored family.Mentors help families identify goals that are important to them, such as:-Furthering development of life skills-Continued educationParentingBudgetingDevelo... of support systemMentors offer understanding, respect, and at times comfort for disappointments.Most important they:CELEBRATE SUCCESS!!!