Empowerment. Impact. Community.
One STEPÂ at a Time.
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LifeSTEPS' professional social service providers offer a wide variety of programs and services, depending on the needs of each senior or family community. For a complete list of services, please click here:
Our services meet all state and federal social service requirements for affordable housing communities. The combination of individual services and community-wide programs enable us to build strong, vibrant residential communities. |
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Case management provides individual, professional assistance with real life problems. Our social workers are at each property throughout the month and also maintain a schedule for appointments or drop-in assistance. In addition, residents and property managers can reach the Director of Social Services by phone any time during the week. Referrals may be made when an at-risk resident is identified, or residents can request support directly when issues arise. Once residents get to know LifeSTEPS, they also refer their neighbors for help. Depending on an individual resident's needs, the social worker can provide means for financial assistance, crisis intervention, and in-home supportive services. Case management can also include contacting other service-oriented nonprofits and government agencies on a resident’s behalf. Important components of case management include realistic feedback, emotional support and active listening for residents in distress. Case management services include:
Depending on the needs and interests of the members of each community, LifeSTEPS provides a wide variety of on-site educational opportunities. Classes are taught by LifeSTEPS employees, supervised volunteers, and partner agencies invited to the properties by LifeSTEPS. LifeSTEPS has established a proprietary curriculum for three-month classes in core areas. Other classes are taught within one- to three-session workshops. Examples of educational classes are:
Focusing on the hours between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm, after school activities help children succeed in school and build positive social skills. Importantly, they also provide a constructive alternative to unsupervised activities for at-risk youth and a safe place for children to explore their creativity. After school programs also encourage parents to join in. After school programs range from homework clubs, milk and cookies, arts and crafts, supervised free play time, and age-appropriate instruction in remedial life skills. After school classes may also include environmental education and volunteer opportunities such as cleanup days, which give children pride in their communities. When possible, LifeSTEPS staff partner with local school districts in order to provide activities that complement the school curriculum and establish communication with guidance counselors and teachers in order to better serve individual children.
Active seniors have much to offer within their communities. With encouragement, seniors are often eager to volunteer in supporting other residents. Senior services also include 'friendly visiting' by LifeSTEPS social workers, a means for staff to provide a sympathetic ear for a resident who is troubled, lonely, or suffering from serious health problems. Our staff makes every effort to involve adult children and other family members in providing emotional support for senior residents. LifeSTEPS seeks resident input in developing activities tailored to their interests. With many Social and Community activities and Educational Classes appropriate for seniors scheduled throughout the month, we are able to meet the varied interests of the residents. Activities are especially important in senior communities, reducing isolation and giving residents the means to retain a sense of pride and independence while building a strong, mutually supportive community.
Unresolved disputes between neighbors can leave a property manager with no alternative but to evict both parties. LifeSTEPS has developed a highly effective mediation model that provides residents with a way to air and resolve their differences while maintaining their housing. Under the guidance of a trained LifeSTEPS social worker, residents take an active part in the mediation process by taking responsibility for finding and adhering to a solution. This experience empowers residents and teaches valuable life skills while resolving the issue at hand. LifeSTEPS social workers also mediate disputes between residents and property managers.
Social & Community Participation Programs In addition to social services, the Director develops appropriate learning and social activities at each community. By fostering social activities, LifeSTEPS and supportive property management staff help communities build a network of support among the residents. When neighbors know each other, they are able to turn to each other when they need help. A monthly newsletter produced by property managers, or at some locations LifeSTEPS staff, is a resource for residents to learn about upcoming activities, classes, and services. Social Programs Include:
LifeSTEPS recruits talented, dedicated volunteers to provide skilled support. Volunteers help at events such as block parties, community dinners, and holiday celebrations, and activities such as art classes, bingo, and educational classes. Volunteers are carefully selected and screened, and those who work with children undergo a Department of Justice background check. Many of our clients give back by volunteering within their communities. For instance, parent volunteers often assist at homework clubs and craft projects. Our volunteer program not only results in more help for residents, but also allows resident volunteers to develop skills, experience, and confidence that can be used in finding employment and advancement opportunities.
Everyone on the LifeSTEPS staff is expert in developing links to resources in the greater community. Rather than duplicating existing services, LifeSTEPS collaborates with other dedicated nonprofits and government agencies to bring essential services to our clients. We promote independence for residents by helping them identify appropriate community resources and teaching them how to make contact, complete necessary forms, and follow up. If a resident is incapable of completing the necessary tasks, we actively assist them in the process. Community resources include:
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Copyright 2008, 2009 LifeSTEPS, Inc. All Rights Reserved Contact: info@lifestepsusa.org |
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