Innovative Programs

All Faith Community Services

Mission/Goal of Program

All Faith Community Services is a faith-based, self-help community service organization in Buckeye, Arizona. It is a non-profit, charitable, 501 (c) (3) which receives its funding from private donations, grants and charitable contributions. It is supported by churches, businesses and individuals who want to foster positive change in the community. All Faith provides emergency assistance, such as food, clothing and that to meet basic needs. However, it also provides the impetus, training and resources to get people from poverty to productivity. Through its individualized case management, training and support programs, All Faith takes a self-help approach to encourage individuals to - build work skills - get a job – overcome obstacles and improve their lives as well as those of their families.

Programs/Services Offered

There are a number of support programs offered at All Faith Community Services to address emergency needs: 

The Food Plus program is available to pregnant or post-partum women and children between the ages of one and six who are living in a household at 185% or less of poverty level.  The program also is available to seniors who are 60 or older living at 130% or less of poverty level.  The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is an ancillary food program which provides five food staples a month to low-income individuals.  They also provide Emergency Food & Baby Boxes to individuals and families based on the poverty guidelines.  They also support the community Famers’ Market

As part of their "One Stop Shop" All Faith has a number of great partnering agencies. Whether by appointment or walk-in these agencies are able to assist with:

  • SNAP Applications - also best known as "Food Stamp Benefits"
  • AHCCCS Applications - Medical Benefits
  • Senior Medicare/Medicaid Information
  • GED/Tutoring

In addition, STEPS (Skills-Training-Education/ Employment-Program-Services) provides All Faith’s clients with the necessary tools to get them trained and into the workforce.  All Faith’s STEPS program is a 3-month to 2-year program aimed at making sure that clients have the education, training and skills necessary to get them gainfully employed.

Start Date
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
Type of Agency/Organization
Community-based Organization
City
Buckeye
State
Arizona
Geographic Reach
Onesite
Clientele/Population Served
Low income, no income, homeless, displaced workers, welfare-to-work, undocumented clients, those unable to get TANF, etc.
Topics/Subtopics
Asset Building
Financial Literacy and Education
TANF Program Administration
Collaborations and Partnerships
Innovative Programs

Horizon Communities in Prison

Mission/Goal of Program

Horizon Communities, formerly known as Kairos Horizon, was established in 1999, when the first residential program was created. Horizon Communities in prison is a catalyst in redeveloping and rehabilitating inmates for a second chance in life. With half the recidivism rate of state prisons, the program provides a platform that predicates discipline, knowledge, and structure necessary to be a constructive and positive participant in society.  It represents a fundamental and distinctive change in criminal and social justice.

Programs/Services Offered

Established in 1999, it is active in 4 states: Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and Ohio.  The programs include community mentoring, anger-management, communication and relationship skills, parenting and fatherhood programs; Crown Financial Ministries, faith-specific studies, a Family Day, letter-writing, and computer skills.

To date, the program has seen a reduction of disciplinary infractions and reduced recidivism. Importantly, it has also seen an increase in family restorations, testimonies of work supervisors, family members, and corrections officials of the difference that the program is making. Horizon Communities in Prison has remained with a low recidivism rate ranging from 11-17% depending upon the state they are in.

Start Date
Friday, January 1, 1999
Type of Agency/Organization
Community-based Organization
Geographic Area
Rural
Suburban
Urban
City
Tallahassee
State
Florida
Geographic Reach
Multistate
Clientele/Population Served
Incarcerated individuals
Topics/Subtopics
Family Strengthening
Fatherhood
Special Populations
Incarcerated and Individuals with a Criminal Record
Innovative Programs

Quality Care for Children

Mission/Goal of Program

For 40 years, Quality Care for Children (QCC) has helped child care programs provide nutritious meals and educational care to young children so they are ready for success in school and helps parents access quality child care so that they can attend college or succeed in the workplace.

Programs/Services Offered

Quality Care for Children, 877-ALL-GA-KIDS, in Atlanta helps parents find childcare throughout the State of Georgia. Although the service is available to any parent in need of assistance, QCC is familiar with the unique needs of the TANF population and seeks to address those needs through specialized programs and through coordination with the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services. The agency has two goals: 1. To strengthen the ability of families, caregivers, and communities to nurture, support, and educate all children. 2. To build a supply of affordable, high-quality childcare in a 46 county area of Georgia. The agency operates an Emergency Child Care Program that affects people moving from welfare to work. 

Quality Care for Children (QCC): QCC is a child care resource and referral service that provides information, assistance, and training to caregivers and educates parents and the community about the importance of expanding affordable, high-quality child care (with special attention given to nonstandard-hours of care, sick-child care, and special-needs child care.  In addition, QCC maintains data on child care facilities and family child care homes that can offer specialized care for children with disabilities. The referral service is free of charge.

Start Date
Monday, January 1, 1979
Type of Agency/Organization
Child care
City
Atlanta
State
Georgia
Geographic Reach
Multisite
Clientele/Population Served
Children in child care
Topics/Subtopics
Supportive Services
Child Care
Innovative Programs

Minnesota Internship Center Charter High School

Mission/Goal of Program

The Internship Center in Minnesota offers ongoing structured internships in health-related fields, customized internships for almost any appropriate job and classroom training for people preparing to begin their internships. The Minnesota Internship Center (MNIC) is a public charter high school that is sponsored by Pillsbury United Communities. MNIC has four school sites in Minneapolis and St. Paul that offer a high school diploma with extensive tutorial services at all sites, as well as graduation standard-based classes and individualized programs. They have had over 1300 graduates since 2003.

MNIC opened in 2003 with the goal of providing high-quality educational and career development experiences to learners with multiple challenges or those who have encountered difficulties in traditional public school settings. Today MNIC serves nearly 500 learners at four Minneapolis and St. Paul sites, and employs 70 full and part-time staff. Last year, MNIC students earned over $800,000 in competitive jobs while they earned their diplomas!

Programs/Services Offered

MNIC creates individualized programs for students based on credit accumulation and skill level. To meet so many levels within their four small school sites, they create courses and learning experiences (like internships and service-learning opportunities) that emphasize academic integration. These all meet state standards. MNIC offers its students free driver education, including classroom and behind-the-wheel.  About 150 students participate in job and internship programs each year. They provide very strong internships in diverse areas like pre-construction, and job trainings in health care, hair braiding and more. MNIC Serves breakfast and lunch every day at no charge.

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level, nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course.

Start Date
Wednesday, January 1, 2003
Type of Agency/Organization
Community-based Organization
City
Minneapolis
State
Minnesota
Geographic Reach
Multisite
Clientele/Population Served
They have four sites in Minneapolis, and serve some of the poorest students in the state.
Topics/Subtopics
Education and Training
On the Job Training
Innovative Programs

Goodwill Industries International, Goodwill Employment and Training Welfare-to-Work Programs

Mission/Goal of Program
Goodwill® helps people earn a living, improve their lives, and strengthen their families and their communities. Goodwill's network of 158 independent, community-based nonprofit organizations the United States offers customized job training, employment placement and other services to people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face employment challenges. Goodwill® helps people earn a living, improve their lives, and strengthen their families and their communities. Goodwill's network of 158 independent, community-based nonprofit organizations the United States offers customized job training, employment placement and other services to people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face employment challenges.
Programs/Services Offered

Goodwill employment and training programs are funded by federal, state and local grants, as well as by revenues from its well-known social enterprise -- Goodwill retail stores -- which sell donated clothing and household goods while providing jobs in communities. Nearly 90 Goodwill’s’ participate in national projects focused on: Providing career oriented mentoring services to youth, Employment and training for older workers Green jobs training Services for single mothers, and Virtual career exploration services.

Local Goodwill organizations provide a core set of services, including vocational evaluation and assessment, occupational skills training, job search development and job placement, and transitional employment support (for instance, on-the-job training). Goodwill also offer life skills training and post-employment assistance for both employers and employees. Goodwill tailor their services to meet community needs, so variation exists in services offered. Goodwill prepares people to work in banking, IT and health care sectors, to name a few — and helps   them get the supporting services they needed to be successful, such as English language training, additional education, or access to transportation and child care.

Start Date
Wednesday, January 1, 1902
Type of Agency/Organization
Community-based Organization
City
Rockville
Geographic Reach
Multistate
Clientele/Population Served
Families
Topics/Subtopics
Employment
Education and Training
Innovative Programs

Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services

Mission/Goal of Program

The mission of the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services is to assist county residents to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency; provide services to strengthen individuals and families; and, join our community partners in the protection of vulnerable children and adults. The county provides co-located services and linkages to programs that assist low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs and achieve their maximum potential.

Programs/Services Offered

The Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services operates two Community Resource Centers (CRC) to provide low-income county residents with access to a range of programs and services. The CRCs are located in our Annapolis and Glen Burnie offices and provide One-Stop services to low-income county residents. The CRCs experience approximately 7,000 visits each month from county residents. The majority of these customers are applying for government benefits, including Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance and Medicaid. However, a significant number also come into the CRC to access services from one of our numerous partners who are co-located within the CRC. Partners who provide services on site include:

  • Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation – AAWDC provides access to the Maryland Workforce Exchange and links job seekers with training opportunities and job vacancies. Primary Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services provided in the CRC focus on targeted populations including veterans, ex-offenders and low-skilled adults.
  • The Literacy Council of Anne Arundel County – provides adult literacy services to county residents through volunteer tutors. Visitors to the CRC may meet with a Literacy coordinator who can assess the individual’s needs and match the person with an available literacy tutor.
  • Health Choice – assists recipients of Medical Assistance to enroll in an approved Managed Care Organization to receive medical services. 
  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitative Services – assists county residents with disabilities by providing comprehensive assessments, access to training and employment supports.
  • Anne Arundel Community Action Partnership – conducts outreach and provides information regarding Head Start services available to county residents. Head Start enrollment services are provided directly in the CRC. The Community Action Partnership is also the county’s provider of Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program services.
  • Organization of Hispanic/Latin Americans of Anne Arundel County – provides information regarding health, employment, housing, immigration and legal services to Hispanic county residents.
  • YWCA of Anne Arundel County – provides domestic violence counseling services and referrals.
  • Family Support Center – provides holistic services on site to parents with children under three years of age. Services include GED and Adult Basic Education classes, After-School services and homework assistance, summer youth programs, support groups, Young Fathers and Responsible Parent Employment Network services for non-custodial parents, on-site child care services and case management services.
  • Jobs Work! Arundel (JWA) – provides specialized workforce development services for families receiving TANF benefits. JWA enrolls TANF recipients and delivers Career Corner, a three-week job readiness workshop. Upon completion of Career Corner, TANF recipients then move into the Placement Phase where they are engaged in employment with jobs developed by JWA staff or into Work Experience Internships and/or training and education activities.
  • Kinship Navigator Services –provides information, referral and limited case management services to Kinship Caregivers in the county. The Navigator also runs support groups on a regular basis for these Kinship Caregivers and coordinates with the county’s public schools Pupil Personnel Service and the county’s Department of Aging, among others.
Type of Agency/Organization
State TANF Agency
City
Annapolis
State
Maryland
Geographic Reach
Onesite
Clientele/Population Served
Low-Income Residents of Anne Arundel County (approximately 7,000 visits per month)
Topics/Subtopics
TANF Program Administration
Services Integration
Innovative Programs

Family Pathfinders

Mission/Goal of Program

In September 1996 Family Pathfinders was created by John Sharp, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts in response to welfare reform. The program goal was to enlist community support for welfare reform efforts by partnering with faith and civic groups to form mentoring teams to work with families on their journey to self-sufficiency.  Over the years, they have expanded their mentoring program to serve additional low-income clients and the reentry population and broadened their programming to include job readiness and financial literacy.

In October 2014 Family Pathfinders was named a Top-Rated 2014 Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits and awarded a spot on the GreatNonprofits Hall of Fame. 

Programs/Services Offered

Mentors join hands with an individual or family for one year, helping them make the very difficult transition to financial stability.  Each mentor provides a broad range of support including budgeting, job preparation, decision making, emotional support, parenting advice and goal setting.  Mentors support a family by helping them set goals and create plans to attain those goals. In addition, mentors provide assistance with problem solving, connection to community resources, decision making, money management, parenting issues, and emotional support. They are closely involved in the lives of their clients.

Financial Literacy: classes help students identify ways to better manage their money, reduce expenses, save for emergencies and improve their self-advocacy skills in a fun and interactive setting. Using the FDIC “Money Smart” curriculum and class role play activities, the students learn basic steps for creating a household budget, choosing and using banking resources, identifying borrowing risks and benefits, improving credit and saving for financial goals. All students receive a “budget box” which is a portable file with tools to help them create a budget and manage their financial records and bills.

Financial Coaching: Pathfinders provides financial coaching to help low and moderate income people attain financial stability. Financial Coaching builds on financial (education/management) skills to address personal needs for improving financial behaviors. Each client-driven session is led by a volunteer Coach with training in budgeting, banking and borrowing, and credit.

Start Date
Sunday, September 1, 1996
Type of Agency/Organization
Non-profit social services agency
City
Fort Worth
State
Texas
Geographic Reach
Onesite
Clientele/Population Served
Low income families, homeless individuals, TANF recipients, working poor
Topics/Subtopics
Employment
Mentoring
TANF Program Administration
Collaborations and Partnerships

National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP)

Record Description

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hosts the Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center (formerly known as the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices or NREPP). The Resource Center is a searchable compendium of evidence-based mental health and substance abuse interventions. Users can search by topic area, substance, or condition as well as resource type (e.g., toolkit, treatment improvement protocol, guideline), target population (e.g., youth, adult), and target audience (e.g., resource for clinicians, prevention professionals, patients, policymakers).

For additional resources, see the PeerTA Resource Library for reports, research-to-practice briefs, toolkits, fact/tip sheets, and stakeholder resources, as well as webinars that address mental health, substance use, and related supportive services.

Record Type
Posting Date
Combined Date
2022-06-16T20:00:00
Source
Region
City/County
Publication Date
2022-06-17

Co-Occurring Disorders and Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT) Factsheet

Record Description

This factsheet from the National Alliance on Mental Health Minnesota provides an overview of the evidence-based practice of Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT) and its use in treating individuals suffering from mental illness and struggling with substance abuse. It offers suggestions of what to look for in an IDDT program and provides a list of programs within Minnesota that offer these services.

Record Type
Posting Date
Combined Date
2011-12-31T19:00:00
Source
Region
City/County
Publication Date
2012-01-01

Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) Kit

Record Description

This kit is available from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in a DVD/CD-ROM version via post mail, or sections can be downloaded via the weblink. The kit provides practice principles about integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders, an approach that helps people recover by offering mental health and substance abuse services at the same time in one setting. Users are provided suggestions from successful programs.

Record Type
Posting Date
Combined Date
2009-12-31T19:00:00
Source
Region
City/County
Publication Date
2010-01-01