Women’s Live and Learn Center
The Challenge
Young women between the ages of 18-24 who are not in school or working are at high risk for homelessness, as well as other serious issues such as sex trafficking, prostitution, violence/abuse, and unintended pregnancy. Moreover, single women are more likely to face housing challenges than their male counterparts, with women making up 58% of all low-income renters. Affordable housing and supportive services offer women resources to help mitigate these risks and promote stability and success.
Purpose
The Women's Live and Learn Center will address the holistic needs of women ages 18-25 years old, with up to four years of housing, non-parenting and parenting. If parenting, up to 2 children under the age of 8. The program is designed to help women Reconnect, Restore, and Empower via the combination of onsite housing and supportive services rooted in the YWCA mission
Services
Trauma-informed case management
Workforce training
Navigation to post-secondary education or degree programs
Healthy, wellness, and mental health
Early childhood education
Financial literacy and homeownership training
Program Approach
RECONNECT
1) Trauma informed care services that center on helping women reconnect to themselves and their community. Areas of focus during this stage:
- Increasing self-awareness and self-care that help women invest in themselves
- Connection to therapeutic resources
RESTORE
2) Services that address the holistic well-being of women as they embark on their educational and workforce endeavors. Areas of focus during this stage:
- Integration of our current Health Equity services and partnerships
- Opportunities for community partners to conduct wellness classes on site
- Holistic health and wellness
- Increasing self-esteem and confidence
EMPOWER:
3) Services that empower women to explore educational and workforce endeavors that will help them achieve a livable wage that breaks the cycle of poverty.
- Integration of Ready to Work, Community Health Worker training
- Area of focus during this stage: Focus on work readiness, job training, and job placement.
Eligibility
18-25 yrs. of age; single or parenting (age can be flexible)
Not in current imminent danger
Motivated to enroll in school/work
Experiencing significant barriers that is disrupting participation in school/work
If parenting, no more than 2 children under age 8
Able to live independently in community setting without supervision
