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Diving Right In!. The DIGS Transitional Living Program from the Ground Up!. Difference Between a Shelter and a TLP. Shelter~ typically short term-3 weeks average
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Diving Right In! The DIGS Transitional Living Program from the Ground Up!
Difference Between a Shelter and a TLP • Shelter~ typically short term-3 weeks average • Transitional Living Program (TLP)~typically longer term and are used more to assist in getting individuals back on their feet- job skills, their own place, etc.
A little about us • Population of Saline County-23,280 • Population of Marshall-13,013 • School district of 2,374 students • Saline County Poverty level of 16.7% in 2009 • County Free and Reduced Lunch Rate- 56.7% in 2010
Roots • Origin of the Idea- Saline County Prosperity Team • Gaps in service • Lack of Youth Shelter/TLP within 30 miles
Focus Group • A focus group was formed • Individuals were invited as well as community announcements were made • The first focus group meeting was well attended • Items on the agenda included the need as well as the support that may be available in our community
Board of Directors • A Board of Directors was formed • Individuals who had been in attendance at focus group meetings were asked to be on the board • Key strategy is to get individuals from different positions in the community.
Mission Statement To provide homeless youth between the ages of 16-21 with the opportunity to develop into successful adults by providing them access to: • Shelter • Counseling • Mentoring • Education and Employment Opportunities • Community Health and Human Services
Point in Time Study~ November 2011 Homeless Youth (age 16 and up) from Marshall High School • 18 students-living with their immediate family and sharing the housing of someone else due to economic hardship • 9 students-unaccompanied youth whose housing situation changes often (these are students the District Social Worker had actual contact with)
March 2011 Anonymous Survey Results(given to all MHS students) #1- Are you currently, or have you ever been in a homeless situation? Yes/No - If yes, please explain briefly where you stay(ed). • 40 students answered yes to this question
Homeless Youth • Neglect and Abuse including: Physical/Sexual/Mental • Poverty • At-Risk for Dropping Out of School • Formerly in Foster Care (36% of youth aging out of foster care become homeless, Child Welfare League of America) • Mental Health and Substance Abuse • Problematic Survival Behaviors • Generational Problems
Homeless Youth Needs • Housing • Employment • Health/Mental Health Services • Supportive Relationships/Role Models • Education • Independent Living Skills
Program Overview • Transitional Living Program • Placement for up to 18 months • For youth ages 16-21 • Help students transition towards independent and self-sufficient living • Free and confidential service
Incorporation • Becoming Incorporated • The application process • Visit your Secretary of State website or office • Length of the waiting process
501(c)(3) • To be considered a tax exempt organization/business in the state of Missouri you must have 501(c)(3) status • The application process • Length of process • Received 501(c)(3) status Spring 2012
Community Buy-In? Or Not?? • Spreading the word • Powerpoint • Presentations • Handouts • Newspaper • Word of mouth • Talk about it whenever you can Yes, we believe we have community buy-in.
Grant Applications-What You Don’t Know… • DUNS Number • Applications are difficult to find at times • They have very specific requirements • Grants sometimes require “matching” funds
What now? • This is always a question of ours…. • Do we start fundraising? • If so how? • Do we begin by getting more community buy-in? • Do we wait for grants?
Accomplishments • Incorporation • 501(c)(3) status • Fundraising kickoff planned • Walmart grant submitted • Contract on a home
Future Home A contract has been placed on this home….
Goals • Raise funds to run the program • Fix up the home • Staff the program • Serve our first homeless youth
Fundraising Plans • Kick-off dinner event • Themed events based around the “Turn on the Light” theme • Glow run • Glow golf • Glow dinner/party • Glow zumba
Organization Contact Information Lindsey Parton 660-886-7414 lparton@marshallschools.com