Supportive Services
The backbone of Dignity’s social services design is the trademarked Life Skills Development Component® (LSDC). The LSDC requires each tenant head-of-household to develop and pursue life improvement goals in a variety of areas including: Income Enhancement and Money Management; Education; Health and Wellness; Youth and Child Development; Job Readiness, Training, and Placement; Home Maintenance; Parenting and Child Care; Homeownership Preparation; Leadership Development; and Community Service. Work in these areas helps clients and their families to find stability as well as to become self sufficient as they prepare to move beyond Dignity.
Case Management
Dignity’s Case Mangers represent the heart of the organization’s supportive services. They develop trusting relationships with their clients and provide guidance, encouragement and resources that help families and individuals achieve their Life Skills Action Plan goals. The Life Skills Component is Dignity’s primary vehicle for helping tenant households move from dependency to self-sufficiency. It is executed through a written document called a Life Skills Action Plan (LSAP).
Health and Wellness Supports
While homelessness has many causes, substance abuse and/or long-term struggles with mental health issues are major obstacles to stability and self-sufficiency for many Dignity clients. Dignity works closely with a clinical consultant to understand the role that mental health plays in each client’s struggles with poverty and homelessness. Clients may receive mental health services and attend outpatient and sponsorship programs via a range of providers. In addition, on-site workshops and seminars are organized by Case Managers to address the health and well-being of our tenants and their children.
Education and Workforce Development
For many Dignity residents, education is the key to not only moving back into the workforce, but also improving life skills and enhancing self-esteem. Dignity provides workforce development and education services specially designed to address the needs of our homeless clients in pursing greater self-sufficiency. Supports include:
Workforce Development Services: Dignity Housing’s clients are assessed on an individual basis by their Case Managers to determine their employment histories and employment needs. Case managers may provide individualized job preparation services to their clients or refer them to a partnering job development or placement organization.
Adult Basic Education: Many of Dignity’s clients come to the organization with low reading and math skills. Many lack a high school diploma or a GED, which seriously limits their ability to obtain viable employment. Clients who enter Dignity Housing without a high school diploma are required to enroll in Dignity’s on-site Adult Basic Education program and their progress is monitored by the Education Coordinator. Originally established as a GED preparation program, the program has been expanded to Adult Basic Education in recognition of the diverse needs of Dignity’s tenant population. As a result of this evolution, students include those seeking to improve their basic reading and math skills, those pursing a GED as well as clients who possess a GED and require a “refresher” to attend college classes or enhance their employment.
Alicia Christian Scholarship Fund: Named for co-founder and retired Executive Director, Alicia Christian, the Scholarship Fund reduces financial barriers that prohibit residents from successfully pursuing educational advancement and life skills objectives. Funds are utilized by both adults and youth for: college tours, college preparatory courses and application fees, direct tuition assistance, books, classroom materials, and childcare in situations where childcare costs impede participation in educational programs. Scholarships are also used to support summer camp experiences for children and youth.
