I. MISSION:
To service HIV+ women and their families with a history of homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental illness. To protect and safeguard them while teaching them life’s coping mechanics with absolute love and respect. We will help women save their own lives everyday….
Casa Esperanza understands the needs of women, who have been neglected, abused or suffering from emotional distress due to a society that has determined that for the rest of their life they will have to pay for their mistakes. House of Hope is committed to providing a structural environment, with support services for its residents.
II. VISION STATEMENT:
We are committed to servicing women who come to us with the dedication and strive for anew and better life, for themselves and their children. Our services will address the critical needs of this population and assist in the facilitation of self-efficacy, self-sufficiency, and womanhood.
We strive to serve those with the greatest needs. Our program will embrace social change and it’s demands while keeping our vision of compassion beliefs while maintaining a belief in a power greater than ourselves. We will maintain an open door policy and will continue to fight for the rights of our women and their families.
III. HISTORY OF CASA ESPERANZA
Origin:
Casa Esperanza grew out of a vision by Gina Cuneo-Ramos for the advancement of women and their children. Casa Esperanza began its road to development in September 2003, after a discussion between Ms. Ramos and Valerie Patterson. They’re two visionaries in the plight for women’s survival. Ms. Patterson, President & CEO of House of Little Angels (a daycare) realize that both visions were one, and life was breathed into Casa Esperanza para Mujeres y Ninos.
IV. MISSION OF SERVICES:
1. Substance Abuse:
Women will be provided with both individual and group counseling to assist with maintaining sobriety. Referral for day treatment programs and additional AA and NA groups will be made available.
2. Infant, Toddler, and School Age Children:
Children will be provided with a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Day Care services will be available, along with after school, tutorial, and recreational services.
3. Vocation/Education:
Women will learn job related skills and participate in educational programs, which will support self-reliance and confidence. GED programs will be made available, including necessary referrals.
4. Family Life Development:
The women will develop health bonds with their children. Parenting classes will be made available. Referrals to preventive services will be made when deemed necessary.
5. Medical Department:
Medical case management with a RN on site who will maintain health records and make outside referrals.
6. Mental Health:
Individual and support groups will be available. Referrals will be made when necessary.
7. Housing:
We will provide individuals and family’s permanent, low income housing.
8. Activities of Daily Living:
We will support our clients with independent living skills. Including budget management, shopping, socialization, sobriety, sobriety maintenance, family relations, negotiation, and employment maintained.
9. Pastoral Care:
Services will be made available at tenant’s request. Outside referrals will be made with numerous religious sects servicing the client’s neighborhood.
V. PREVENTITIVE CASE MANAGEMENT,
COUNSELING, & SUPPORT GROUPS:
1. Care Partner’s Support Group
2. Crisis Intervention
3. Domestic Violence
4. Legal Advocacy
5. Individual Counseling
6. Relapse Prevention Support Groups
7. PLWA Support Group (People Living with AIDS)
8. Women in Recovery
9. Linkages to CBO’s (Community Based Organizations)
10. Pastoral Care
11. Sex Workers
VI. STAFF
Our interdisciplinary team consists of seasoned, multilingual staff. Staff includes seasoned and culturally diverse managerial, supervisory, and direct service staff, and licensed specialist. Our staff is given the opportunity to expand their knowledge by attending mandatory in-services, and enrichment programs.
VII. ADMISSION CRITERIA
Person(s) must demonstrate a commitment to develop, acquire, and maintain vocational skills and permanent housing. The individual must be willing to comply with the rules and regulations of the program, including random urine drug testing to monitor for sobriety. People with a history of substance abuse must present evidence of sobriety for the last 3 months. Homeless at admission or transferring from either Section 8 housing, or scatter site. Individuals with co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disorders are welcome provided their mental illness’ are in remission. Must be on pharmaceutical treatment for the past 6 months. One individual on the lease must have evidence of HIV+ status or AIDS diagnosis.
