Family Programs
In response to an unmet need in the community, InterFaith Shelter Network has developed multiple family programs for both single parents and families:
- The Rabbi Michael A. Robinson Mother/Child Reunification Program serves mothers in the process of reuniting with their children in collaboration with Sonoma County Child Protective Services and other applicable agencies.
- The Single–Parent Family program houses both single mothers and single fathers and their minor children.
- The Step II Program is for families who have graduated from Transitional Housing and completed all “steps” except secured permanent housing.
Participants are selected after application submission and a personal interview. The selection process includes a background investigation and correspondence with coordinating agencies (i.e. Child Protective Services, SC Probation Department and other applicable organizations).
Family stabilization–physical, mental, emotional, fiscal–is always the first priority; parent/child reunification (as applicable) is a parallel goal. IFSN holds participants to a high standard of accountability, and supportive services assure successful outcomes. Services include, but are not limited to:
- Comprehensive case management: participants meet with case managers (weekly) to monitor individual goals, progress, challenges and appropriate resource linkage.
- Mental health services: individual, child and family counseling services are provided weekly for all residents. Psychotherapy is conducted by licensed clinicians.
- Parenting Education: participation is mandatory in weekly parent education groups, and coordinated educational services provided by the California Parenting Institute (CPI), and County Public Health Nurses (RN) who provide home visits.
- Coordinated recovery and relapse prevention services are provided via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Drug Abuse Alternatives Center (DAAC) Peri–Natal and Outpatient programs.
- Mainstream Resource Guidance: participants are required to secure temporary benefits as applicable (TANF, Medi-Cal)
- Employment preparation and skill–building
- Nutritional Food Program – IFSN provides ingredients for healthy meals (with focus on protein and fresh produce–biweekly food distribution).
- Transportation Assistance: weekly allotment of bus passes.
The family programs were facilitated by Shari Tucker, Lead Case Manager; Shari has managed all family programs since inception. With 15 aggregate years of experience providing parent/child education and advocacy, specifically for at–risk families–including programs for the YWCA Safe House–Shari is remarkably qualified and effective. On average, 80% to 90% of all participants graduated and secure permanent housing annually!