 Youth Services
As formerly homeless children, Dignity's youth face a variety of obstacles that challenge th eir educational, social and emotional development. Statistics inform us that homeless children are twice as likely to have a learning disability and three times more likely than other children to have emotional or behavioral problems. That is why Dignity Housing designed the Paths Toward the Future (PATHS) youth program; to help Dignity children develop their potential educationally, socially, intellectually, civically and emotionally. Without intervention and the creation of opportunities, our young people face the prospect of getting caught in the cycle of poverty. With the PATHS program, our young people can develop the self-esteem, education and decision-making skills that place them on the road to an independent future.
The Paths Toward the Future program includes:
The Dignity After-School Program (ASP)
 This program currently serves children from Dignity's two-year transitional housing programs, Dignity II and Dignity III. The ASP serves a dual purpose: to provide a free, convenient solution for Dignity II mothers (who are employed and/or enrolled in educational programs) that are seeking quality after-school care for their children; and to provide a structured, safe and nurturing environment for children and youth.
Tutoring and homework assistance are provided to program participants every afternoon, Monday-Thursday. Specialized tests are given to each student to assess their abilities and to measure progress in various subjects. Individual Academic Plans (IAP) are used by staff and tutors to set specialized goals according to each child's ability. Supplemental trips, workshops, and activities are incorporated to help improve social skills and individual growth.
Summer Enrichment Program (SEP)
The SEP was delveloped to further address the academic needs of students in the After School Program. Specifically, it is for students that were either retained, required to attend summer school, or that passed, but are behind in the reading and math requirements for the next grade level. The program runs from June through August and participants meet every Monday and Wednesday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. SEP activities, which include reading out loud and individual tutoring, work to strengthen skills franing from reading and writing to math and science.
 Dignity Drumline
The Dignity Drumline consists of youth ages 5-18 that play a variety of Brazilian percussion instruments. They practice once per week and have performed at several Dignity events as well as within the community. Participation in the Drumline is based on academic standing, and attendance at school and passing grades in all subjects are required of each member.
Family to Family Group and Family Counseling
Youth that enter Dignity's program are emotionally fragile as a result of their experiences with homelessness, and often family violence and parental drug and alcohol abuse. Many were separated from their mothers as a result of homelessness or drug and alcohol abuse, and are being reunited for the first time. According to the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, "In families with unstable housing, the parent-child relationship is particularly fragile, which can perpetuate the cycle of homelessness."1 To eradicate this prospective, Dignity Housing provides in-home family counseling and "Family to Family" group sessions to facilitate positive communication and build healthy family interactions. Interventions focus on the unique needs experienced by children that have experienced traumatic situations. These forums allow children and youth to express their emotions in a safe environment and to work with their families in solving problems and completing special assignments. In-home consultation takes place individually with youth, as well as with the entire family, based upon the need. In cases of serious distress or where mental health diagnoses exist in children, families are provided with referrals to partner organizations that specialize in mental health treatment, and their participation and progress is monitored.
Summer Internships
The goal of the Summer Internship Program is to provide Dignity Housing's teens with work experiences that will enhance their leadership skills and develop their career and educational goals. Interns are provided placements within Dignity Housing as well as other community organizations. Past collaborations have included: local hair salons, African-American Museum of Philadelphia, local psychiatrists offices, Jefferson Hospital, local day care providers, Project Home, and Summer Day camps for children. Youth interns also participate in workshops, career and self-exploration projects, and open savings accounts for their hard earned dollars. If your organization is interested in partnering with Dignity Housing's Summer Internship Program, please contact
Casi Scully at cscully@dignityhousing.org or 215-843-7488.
 Scholarship Opportunities
The Dignity Education and Life Skills Scholarship Fund creates a variety of opportunities for youth to participate in personal and educational growth activities by providing assistance for the following: college preparatory courses and application fees; standardized test preparation materials and registration fees; private school entrance exams; college and trade school tuition; college tours; books and supportive educational materials; tutoring expenses; participation in specialized activities such as music and art programs; and enrollment in summer camp programs. The Fund has provided more than $125,000 in scholarships to Dignity's residents.
Seasons of Change Youth Forum
Seasons of Change focuses on developing self-esteem and decision-making skills by addressing a variety of important topics related to health and personal well-being. This yearlong program (following the academic calendar) takes youth on a journey of exploration from Self (Autumn) to Family (Winter), to Peers (Spring), to Community (Summer). With each season, youth address a different area of development, touching on such critical topics as: self esteem and body image, anger management and conflict resolution, gender stereotypes and homophobia, dating violence and gang violence, drug and alcohol use, current events and the media, civic responsibility, and much more.
Through specialized activities, workshops, journal entries, trips and projects, youth are challenged to assess their personal behaviors, values and attitudes in relation to the world around them. The goal is for youth to gain self-confidence and build a foundation for a healthy future as they develop critical thinking, decision making, leadership, time management, coping, writing, and communication skills.
Family Activities
The goal of family-centered activities is to develop healthy family interactions by creating opportunities for the entire family to engage in positive educational, cultural and social activities. They enhance family cohesion, teach parents skills and build confidence in children and youth. Activities include such annual events as the Family Picnic, African-American History Celebration, Holiday Party and the newly added trip to Fellowship Farms for a Family Camp Experience. The camp promotes family bonding and enhances family communication through a variety of interactive and dynamic activities. Additionally, weekly activities are held including family discussions, game nights, field trips, cooking classes, etc.
Cultural Workshops, Trips and Activities
As part of Dignity's PATHS program, children participate in a variety of workshops, trips and activities throughout the year that promote cultural awareness, tolerance, and self-confidence, as well as develop critical thinking and decision making skills. Dignity collaborates with an organization, CHP Tours, that provides monthly workshops and artistic activities that focus on languages, artifacts and diversity among cultures.
Healing Hands (May 2003). Homelessness and Family Trauma: The Case for Early Intervention. Volume 7, No. 2. Retrieved June 22, 2005 from the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council website: http://www.nhchc.org/Network/HealingHands/2003/hh-0503.pdf
|
