Women who are experiencing homelessness may be eligible for housing through our short-term, transitional shelter or one of our community-based housing programs. Home of the Sparrow’s staff also provides residents with guidance and resources to help them achieve self-reliance. Women may receive direct support or referrals to resources for utilities, food, clothing, transportation, etc. These HOS services, provided at no cost, include:
Case management:
Home of the Sparrow’s experienced Case Managers work with shelter residents and housing program clients to develop an Individual Plan. Areas of focus include employment, education, parenting, financial skills, housing, physical and mental health and well being. Regular case management involves support and guidance in achieving individual goals in each area. The process serves to empower women as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.
Referrals:
Community Resources in McHenry County governmental and non-profit agencies offer an array of supportive services that strive to meet the needs of area residents. Home of the Sparrow Case Managers are skilled at appropriate referral and utilization of those resources to supplement the supports offered by the agency.
Guidance:
Educational and employment options One of the keys to ending homelessness is a living wage. Women who enter Home of the Sparrow programs are assisted with exploring and reaching educational and employment goals. In the shelter setting, residents must be employed within ten weeks of entering the program.
Child-Care Assistance:
Home of the Sparrow shelter residents receive initial financial assistance with child care costs as well as connection to the 4C’s program for longer term support.
Adult Therapy:
The Adult Therapist is available to assist residents in their recovery from domestic violence and trauma. She works with individuals to learn effective methods of addressing and decreasing mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Utilizing a person-centered and strengths-based approach, the Adult Therapist supports residents in achieving their goals and in re-establishing stability and independence in their lives.
Child & Family Therapy:
The Child and Family Therapist offers therapy services for mothers and their children of various ages. Services reflect the individual needs of the resident. Using play therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy and Rodgerian talk therapy, the HOS therapist provides a setting in which mothers and children can explore their feelings and struggles in addition to learning ways to improve their relationship or cope with daily issues.
Group Therapy:
Wellness Group is an ongoing open group focused on preventative mental health care. Facilitated by the Adult Therapist, the weekly group includes an educational component and is oriented to the physical, psychological and spiritual well-being of the individual. Group topics vary and address methods of improving functioning in areas such as using emotions effectively, choosing positive relationships, building a healthy self-concept, living authentically, learning to “stress less” and focused relaxation for wellness.
Parent Training Classes:
The Incredible Years program is an evidence-based program which teaches parents how to implement effective parenting skills in order to reduce negative behaviors and reinforce positive behaviors. The group utilizes videos of real parents practicing the techniques discussed in group, discussion and take home practice. It is a ten week program facilitated by the Child and Family Therapist.
Financial Classes:
Financial difficulties and limited resources associated with homelessness make maintaining good credit very difficult. Residents of HOS participate in Consumer Credit Counseling classes, learning to use credit responsibly and increase their credit score. They also attend financial classes focused on creating a savings plan, reducing expenses, addressing previous debt and creating a budget which are all essential to financial recovery and self-sufficiency.
Life Skill Classes:
Life skills courses are designed to provide additional learning opportunities that pertain to self-sufficiency. The topics vary based on residents’ needs. Previous classes have included: cooking on a budget, being a good renter, child seat safety, conflict resolution, job interviewing skills, resume and cover letter writing, and more.
Advocacy:
Navigating the world of social services can at times be difficult and frustrating. HOS staff assist residents and clients with connections to services and, when needed, act as a strong voice on their behalf.
