Utilizing the LSDC, each tenant works with his/her case manager to identify life skills goals and objectives which are documented in writing in each tenant's
Life Skills Action Plan (LSAP). Case Managers provide supports and services to tenants through office and home consultations, telephone contact, and referrals and follow-up to other service organizations. Tenant progress is measured consistently and LSDP are updated on a quarterly basis to ensure that goals and objectives are met in a way that maximizes tenant potential.
Counseling Services
Many of Dignity's families face multiple and complex issues related to their histories of poverty and drug, alcohol and domestic abuse. In some instances, mothers are being reunited with their children for the first time since completing substance abuse rehabilitation programs. Families are in need of numerous supports to help them stabilize their lives and move toward self-sufficiency.
In-home family counseling is provided on a weekly basis to our most at-risk families residing at Dignity II and Dignity III. Counselors focus on:
- Building healthy parent-child relationships.
- Restoring appropriate roles within the household.
- Examining issues of guilt often experienced by mothers with addictions.
- Addressing the unique feelings experienced by children and youth of addiction and domestic violence.
Support Groups
Support groups are offered to adults on-site at Dignity II and Dignity III to address the following:
- Drug and Alcohol Recovery
- Domestic Violence
- Parenting
Job Readiness and Employment Services
In order to move beyond Dignity, it is critical that tenants secure employment at a living wage. Case Managers work with tenants to increase their employability. Tenants attend a variety of training programs facilitated by Dignity staff. Dignity also offers a number of Internships Opportunities to tenants every year, and financially supports advancements in education and training through the Dignity Education and Life Skills Scholarship Fund.
Internship Opportunities
These internal employment opportunities are designed to provide tenants with valuable work experiences and the opportunity to interact in a supportive, professional setting. Adult interns work in several Dignity Housing Divisions and with outside agencies in order to develop an array of skills and identify areas of tenant strength.
The following specialized components are built into all internships:
- Skills Assessment
- Career Exploration
- Effective Job Searching
- Resume and Cover Letter Writing
- Interviewing Skills
- Computer and Internet Exposure
- Wage Savings Requirements
Scholarship Fund
The Dignity Education and Life Skills Scholarship Fund was established in 1991 after a successful fundraising awards dinner raised more than $70,000 for the cause. Over the years, The Fund has provided more than $140,000 and provided 83 Dignity tenants the opportunity to complete degrees from local colleges and trade schools including Associate's and Bachelor's degree programs. A number of Dignity's tenants have moved on to complete Master's and Doctoral programs as well.
Family Activities
At Dignity Housing we believe that family-centered activities are a key component to developing healthy family interactions and building confidence in children and youth. Therefore, we create opportunities for the entire family to engage in positive educational, social and cultural activities.
Activities include such annual events as:
