Bridges Out of Poverty Presentation by: Kelly Causey, Colorado Children s Campaign Sharon Knight, Hope Communities Widd Medford, Boulder Bridge House
Who We Are A nonprofit, nonpartisan research and advocacy organization committed since 1985 to ensuring every chance for every child in Colorado. The leading voice for Colorado s children at the State Capitol and in communities across the state Independent, data-driven
What We Do Champion policies and programs in child health, early childhood and K-12 education Use accurate, publicly available data and research on child well-being Engage support and insight from our It s About Kids (IAK) network of leaders in 55 counties across the state
An Integrated Approach
Thank you! Questions? Kelly Causey, President and CEO (303) 620-4529 Kelly@coloradokids.org
Our vision is a community in which everyone has a safe place to call home and the resources they need to thrive!
What we do. Using safe, quality, and affordable housing as a foundation, we provide rich programs and services aimed at increasing access to economic opportunity for the individuals and families we serve.
Why we re different. 38 years 4 properties, 280 units 1,000 served annually through housing and programs 100% of units reserved for low-income residents Over half of Hope s units are rented by families Fortunate to have land on which to build more units
Programs & Services free of charge voluntary open to all Adult Education Youth Development Case Management and Resource Navigation Health & Wellness Community Building Career Readiness and Training
Programming is culturally relevant and community driven. For example, Hidden Brook Apartments is home to 130 families. Eighty percent of those families are refugees, from 25 countries. Programs include English as a Second Language, Health Care Navigation, Youth Interpreter Training Programs, Community and Social Norms, Ready Tots, Homework Assistance and Career Readiness. We host dinners, festivals, eye glass clinics, dental clinics, mental health services, and (resident-driven) presentations on topics such as community safety and behavioral health programs. We have a community garden, with customized plots for individual families.
Sharon Knight at Sharon@hopecommunities.org
Work Housing Supportive Services BOULDER, CO
READY TO WORK: GOALS Provide a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless individuals who are ready to work through a work-first model Change the perception of homeless individuals in the communityand with employers Address persistent barriers impacting the ability of homeless individuals to work and find housing Develop a sustainable, transitional employment business model Provide a holistic model to break expensive cycles ofhomelessness, addiction, and incarceration Provide a holistic, community-based, solution for homelessness Founded 2012, opened Ready to Work House and Employment Center in August 2015
RTW: A HOLISTIC MODEL CASE MANAGEMENT SOBRIETY SUPPORT BUDGETING SKILLS AFFORDABLE, SAFE COMMUNITY LIVING PAID JOB IN SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
RTW: PROGRAM SPECIFICS 44trainees selected based on an application, intake and orientation process Paid, transitional work in Social Enterprise as a stepping stone to mainstream work - Two work options landscaping for City of Boulder and property managers or food service with Community Table Kitchen Up to 29 hours a week, $9.30 an hour, Build resume andreferences, Earn and save money Housing at 4747Table Mesa, Boulder After 9 months of working, trainees seek full-time, mainstream employment After 12 months of housing, residents seek permanent housing All Residents are EMPLOYED, HOUSED and CLEAN & SOBER
4747TABLE MESA HOUSING Ready To Work Housing and Employment Center Community living for 44 people 34 men, 10women Paid work for up to 29 hours a week Trainees pay room and board no more than 1/3 of income up to $60 per week Computer lab, outdoor recreation area,library 24/7 access andsupport Build rental history Savings required Sobriety required Pass health screening On site medical,aa,na This program is awesome. It has a lot of structure and that is exactly what I need for my recovery. I am now sober and it is working. In the program I have everything I need to succeed. The case managers guide me and 100% support me in my sobriety. Aaron
RESULTS Of RTW trainees who exited the Program 2016 Independent Housing & Mainstream Employment - Graduation Rate % oftotal enrolled 77% (43 out of 56)
Questions?