Summary

My Father’s of Erie will provide residential accommodations with continuous twenty-four hour staff supervision. There are several components that must be addressed with families which include the proper skills and life support systems necessary to maintain a successful home with a firm foundation. It is our goal to offer these services:

Present Housing/Transitional living/ Home/Ownership:
Contemporary exposure to the social problems of homelessness illustrates the importance of focusing close attention on the fulfillment of family and housing needs. The women will acquire the location of safe housing and how to maintain an independent housing situation. Home ownership courses will also be available for
women who wish to own their homes.

Parenting Skills:
Mother’s will learn and define the purpose of being a parent. They will receive the instructions on parenting skills through workshops, classes, and supportive counseling held on weekly bases.

Medical Assistance:
Health care and the maintenance of optimal health are crucial areas of need. One of the admission requirements to MFH is to have a physical for the mothers and their children; referral will be made to a Family Practice or the family’s current Physician.

Personal Financial Management:
Financial planning and management classes will be provided. Staff will take a look at the income received by each family and assist them with budgeting for the basic necessities and setting financial goals for future growth and stability in a permanent living situation. Women will learn how to efficiently budget their money and set up bank accounts (saving and checking).

Employment/Vocational/Educational Development:
Educational and vocational training will be prioritized in accordance with the goals expressed by each client. Referral agencies will be contacted and all clients will undergo training as a part of their preparation for securing employment.

Child Care Services:
Child care will be provided just for the women in MFH; these services are rendered for our mothers while they are working on their goals. In Abundance of Joy Child Care Center, the children’s goals will be addressed and measured. This is an in-house service for our mothers and children.

Activities for Daily Living:
Calendar schedules will be set up for daily activities, both individually and corporately. Our objective is to teach the necessity of goals setting and proper time management to accomplish the priorities of each day. All activities will have a direct relation to the family goals. Life sustaining skills and personal care will be incorporated into daily activities. Also, the mother will be directly responsible for their children and will set up activity calendars for their children to help them attain their goals. Women will be provided with basic nutritional education, meal planning, economical shopping tips, and cooking skills. Basic kitchen safety, including proper food storage and appliance usage and cleaning, will also be provided.

Social/Interpersonal Relationship Skills:
Building relationships with others must become essential part of the growth and development of the personal lives of the women served. We will educate the women on social interaction, and reassurance of worth, and the need for supportive care.

Training House (continuous supportive service):
On going support services provide to ensure a successful transition and to support clients in the community.

Admissions

The policy of My Father's House of Erie is to complete a comprehensive assessment to access program eligibility. Participation in the program is to be of a voluntary nature. Clients can self refer, and referrals also come from a variety of sources in the community, such as social agencies, churches, families and friends. The client must be 18 years or older with or without children. The children's ages are from birth to 9 years of age. If you are interested in our services, please call us at 814-879-0880 or e-mail us anytime to set up an appointment.