Mary’s Shelter of the Lehigh Valley


Program Services and Social Services


Referrals:
  1. Develop a list of Crisis Pregnancy Centers, Catholic Social Agencies, and other Maternity Homes. completed
  2. Hospital and clinics completed
  3. High Schools and Churches completed
Program Focus:
  1. Pregnancy - completed
    1. Department of Public Welfare – where is it located, what is the process for applying for benefits (especially medical coverage), Reading offers free education and job training programs for qualified applicants.
    2. Where is the closest hospital and clinic, what are the policies and procedures for new clients and for sharing of information (release of information forms needed)
  2. Education – off site -completed
    1. Where are the high schools, colleges and GED courses located,
    2. CareerLink - the clients can get their GED, job training like CNA and they can even learn to drive. If the client successfully completes all of the classes and training, CareerLink will give approx. $1800 toward the purchase of a car and assist with the insurance for six months.
  3. Education – on site – the clients are more comfortable learning as a small group, in the building, where they can ask questions and not feel intimidated. Classes rotate about every six weeks to keep the clients interested. The schedule can be changed to meet the client’s needs.
    1. Parenting Classes
    2. Childbirth Classes
    3. Nutrition
    4. Stress Management
    5. Anger Management
    6. Budgeting – locate a budget counseling center (all of the clients need this service)
  4. Housing Services – in progress, Cory attending homeless coalition meetings
    1. Know the low-income housing agencies and understand the application process and guidelines in order to assist the clients in the whole process.
    2. Reading has City housing, City section 8, County public housing, County section 8, Private section 8 for city and county, Next Step program through County housing. All of these programs have different guidelines, requirements and waiting lists.
    3. Are there any transitional housing programs in the area – some clients need more assistance and are not ready to live on their own.
    4. Hold classes on reading and understanding a lease agreement, tenant/ landlord law. Bring the different housing agencies into the building to teach a class for the clients.
  5. Other Services to become familiar with –completed, reference guide obtained
    1. Mental Health / Mental Retardation services
    2. Childcare services – Reading has three in the area that provide subsidized services, DPW, BCIU, and United Way – all with different guidelines and requirements. They do great classes also.
    3. Public Transportation
    4. Youth Advocate services
    5. Children and Youth Services
  6. Other Agencies to assist staff – in progress, Cory made several college contacts & attending homeless coalition meetings
    1. Colleges offer interns in social work, nursing, marketing and administrative assistants – connections to the colleges is valuable.
    2. Homeless coalition – must be a member of coalition to receive CDBG funding from the county/city. The members are also a great resource for other services available in the community.
Staff:
  1. Program Director – Public Relations, connects with community agencies and resources, designs program, direct client services
    1. Social Worker – full or part time – assesses client needs and coordinates appropriate services. Keeps documentation on client progress. Provides individual counseling and or refers clients if circumstances warrant the need for professional counseling.
  2. Live in House Parent – on duty from 4pm to 8am to maintain order in the building and manage any emergencies, assists with teaching life skills - e.g. cooking and cleaning. The house parent receives free room and board for a lower salary and has every other weekend off.
  3. Part Time relief person – could be a trained volunteer or paid staff
  4. At some point may need - Secretary – familiar with computers to assist with database, tracking statistics, and writing letters. Can be a volunteer.