collaborators—now numbering more than 120 —to ensure clients have access to as many advocates as possible. “We’re basically one big networking system,” said Angela Smith, AJC’s area manager. “People come in looking for work, and as we get to know them, we learn more about what’s going on in their lives. Maybe they need help with housing or reentry. Whatever challenge they may be facing, we can immediately put them in touch with partners like CSC, who can show them the best way to get their problems resolved.” Hawkins-Coleman said this type of collaborative effort will be a game-changer for many of CSC’s clients.“There’s big potential here to bridge some of the gaps in service that our families continue to experience every day,” she said. CSC also experienced significant growth this year in its Family Restabilization Housing Program (FRSP). Funded
by the Washington, D.C. Department of Human Services, the program aims to get families out of shelters and into permanent, supportive housing. “FRSP uses what is known nationally as the ‘housing first’ model that helps families find apartments as a first step to tackling the comprehensive set of challenges in their path,” Hawkins-Coleman said. “Once we take care of the housing piece, we assign a case manager to provide wraparound services across all domains: if you need public benefits, or you missed your medical appointment, or your child is behind in school, or Dad needs a job, etc. It’s all about breaking the cycle of poverty, keeping kids safe and equipping families with the right tools so they can stay out of a shelter.” In 2022, CSC grew the number of participating families in FRSP from 90 to 150 families, an astonishing 67%. “We’re looking forward to broadening our reach even further in the year to come,” Hawkins-Coleman said.
5
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator