Family Wraparound Program
The IHN shelter at Alpha House has six family rooms that are
similar to a dormitory room at a college. The shelter facility
has a shared playroom, living room, dining room and kitchenette.
We can provide shelter for 6-8 families at a time, up to a
maximum of 24 people. Families are able to stay at the shelter
for up to 90 days, and then receive follow-up services for
six to twelve months after leaving shelter.
Each family is assigned a facilitator as they enter the shelter
program. The facilitator identifies a family-centered planning
team for the family that is created shortly after the family
takes up residence at Alpha House. The team makes a 9-month
commitment to work with each family to meet their goals. The
team is composed of key professionals employed at the shelter,
natural supports identified by the family such as friends,
relatives or clergy, and trained volunteers from the community
who bring their rich life experience. Teams not only address
family needs but also model problem-solving techniques.
Facilitators work closely with each family to develop a plan.
The plan focuses on the strengths, assets, and skills of family
members. Parents are an integral part of the team and the plan
reflects their voice, choices and preferences. The plan is
comprehensive, addressing needs in the following life domain
areas: emotional; family; housing; school/work; cultural; spiritual;
safety; legal; medical/health; finances; relationships; and
crisis/safety. Informal resources, help that can be obtained
through religious congregations, civic groups, businesses and
members of the local community are identified, as well as traditional
mainstream resources. Outcome measures are identified
by the family and the plan is evaluated often. The planning
team identifies
the most immediate needs and begins developing strategies to
meet those needs. Once the family moves into housing in the
community, the facilitator and team, if appropriate, continue
to meet with the family and work the plan.
Family Profiles
A Conversation with Anita Watley
A Conversation with Nancy*
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