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In partnering with families, Families Forward utilizes a relational, cultural and strengths based model called family development. In view of the varied challenges and needs homeless and low-income families face, Families Forward supports families in ways that enhance their growth and development for the good of the individual, the family, and the broader community.
Across all of Families Forward's Transitional Housing and Education programs, Family Development Advocates literally "advocate" for the fullest development of the family.
Families Forward, Inc. is a district based nonprofit organization founded in 1986 by a consortium of ten nonprofit organizations, who wanted to improve the then existing delivery system by providing a coordinated continuum of services to homeless families.
Families Forward eventually evolved into an independent direct service agency. We have achieved success by maintaining an in-house compliment of support services helping over 15,000 families circumvent the shelter system by moving directly in to subsidized housing and/or move out of the shelter system into permanent housing. We have provided a comprehensive array of services to thousands more to prevent homelessness.
In 2010, Families Forward served over 2,500 people through its various programs.
Some accomplishments include:
46 families received a rental subsidy and case management support services.
309 families received shelter, life skills, case management and out-placement services.
657 children received back to school supplies
110 families received Thanksgiving baskets
79 adults received winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves
197 children and their families participated in our Christmas Angels Program
Ruby Gregory
Executive Director
Christy L. Evans
Director of Operations
Sandra Vanderhurst
Special Projects Manager
Marie McCoy- Program Manager
Stable Families
Vincent Jenkins- Program Manager
New Approach
Families Forward, Inc
2012 Board of Directors
Marvin Clark, Chair
Wachovia Bank, N.A.
William A. Blakey, Treasurer
Dean, Blakey and Moskowitz
Alicia Terry, Secretary
Kutak Rock
Julie Few
The Walker Group LLC
Ruby King-Gregory, Executive Director
Families Forward, Inc.
CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED
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The mission of Families Forward, Inc. is to provide homeless and low-income families in the Washington area with quality housing, individualized support, and marketable training so that they can obtain the skills and motivation necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. Families Forward, Inc. was established in 1986 under the name Consortium for Services to Homeless Families (Conserve), and was part of a consortium of service providers that furnished alternatives to the then existing service delivery system for homeless families. The organization soon became an independent service provider that achieved success by maintaining an in-house compliment of support services for homeless families utilizing a holistic approach. The name was changed to Families Forward in 1999.
A team approach is utilized to achieve positive results when addressing educational and employment needs, permanent housing opportunities and family development with the goal of self-sufficiency. Families Forward seeks to identify and establish relationships with other entities that are involved with each family in order to complete the wrap-around services that Families Forward is dedicated to providing. The Family Development Advocate is the key to these working relationships. A Family Development Advocate is assigned to each family that participates in the program. The FDA primarily focuses on personal development and education and skill enhancement.
The Family Development Advocate’s responsibilities include the completion of an assessment of each family’s need, development of an individual service plan, referrals to appropriate services, monitoring and assessment of service utilization, permanency planning, permanent placement and follow-up.
The assessment will be made of each participant’s skill levels and barriers to employment. The Family Development Advocate will assist the participant in the development of their goals for becoming gainfully employed. The FDA is essential in the monitoring of job retention after employment is obtained. Those participants who do not have a high school diploma or GED receive assistance in identifying tutorial or literacy programs that will help in the development of reading, writing, and mathematical skills. For participants meeting the high school equivalency requirements with little or no work experience, the FDA facilitates the process in accessing training programs in the fields in which participants indicate an interest or display an aptitude.
Since the goal of Families Forward Programs is to prepare families for permanent housing, participants receive constant preparation for permanent tenancy while participation in the programs. For over two decades, Families Forward has operated on the belief that with humane housing, a focus on addressing barriers to success, and marketable job training, families can obtain lifelong self-sufficiency. We believe that helping people help themselves is the best investment a society can make to the creation of strong, independent families.
Homeless Prevention Services
Families Forward offers a comprehensive array of services targeting families who are at-risk of becoming homeless. Supportive services include:
Job Launch Workshops
Are you having trouble finding a job that will pay your bills? Our Career Coach can help! Families Forward offers free "Job Launch" workshops to help you develop the latest job search skills and strategies for this ever-changing market. The workshops are free and open to job seekers of any age. They cover crucial points of the search, from resume writing to salary negotiating, and incorporate key strategies and tips for becoming competitive and reaching your goal.
Food Pantry
When a family doesn't have enough food - the most basic human need - stability in other areas is impossible. At Families Forward, we provide families with food and basic toiletries, helping them to cover other monthly costs, getting them through a short period of time to bridge the gap between dependence and self-sufficiency.
Life-skills counseling
At-risk families may receive counseling and case management services for up to six months, working to increase life-skills in areas such as parenting, budgeting, communicating, stress management, debt reduction, and job retention.
Transitional Housing
The Transitional Housing Program, which utilizes 26 homes located throughout the community, provides families with housing, allowing parents to focus on their work with case managers to improve life skills and achieve career advancement through one on one career counseling, so that they can break free from the cycle of poverty. Because there is no one size fits all solution to family homelessness, this program offers a comprehensive array of services that address their unique needs. Families work one on one with masters-level case managers to develop individualized plans with specific goals and steps guiding each family towards self-sufficiency.
Rapid Re-Housing
Rapid Re-Housing provides families with a chance to regain self-sufficiency when they have lost their home due to an eviction or a change in income. Through partnerships with local apartment communities, families are placed in affordable apartments where the rent is paid in gradually increasing increments, allowing them time to slowly return to market rate rent. Other supportive services available to families in this program include counseling, food, and career coaching.
Seasonal Programs
Back-to-School
This program supports dignity and self-confidence by providing at-risk children with new backpacks and required school supplies enabling them to enjoy that "new crayon smell" along with their peers on the first day of the school year.
More details on our Back to School Program!
Holiday Programs
Imagine how parents must feel when they cannot give their child a holiday meal, tree or even a gift. To help families have brighter holidays, Families Forward and caring donors provide families with special festive food baskets through the Thanksgiving Program and thoughtful, personalized holiday gifts through the Adopt-a-Family Program.
Stable Families Program and STI Program (System Transformation Initiative)
These programs are Washington, DC based scattered site supportive housing programs. All families served through these programs are literally homeless. These programs move families directly from the shelter system into scattered-site private rental housing. By offering a holistic approach with intensive one on one support, participants receive an array of services to include; rental assistance, home based case management, outreach referral services, life skill preparation, and employment and retention services. Program participants having an income pay up to 30% of their adjusted income toward rent and Families Forward subsidizes the remainder for up to two years. Rental subsidies on behalf of the participant is contingent upon the family remaining active in the supportive services program and adhering to the service contract they sign upon enrollment.
Families Forward Stable Families Program provides housing services that facilitate the movement of homeless families into permanent homes within 24 months by utilizing the turn key concept. This concept alleviates the need for extended shelter stay by allowing for families to reside in a transitional to permanent setting. The turn-key approach also allows participants who can afford unsubsidized rent to stay in their homes after the Rental Assistance Contract has ended. For those families ready and able to work toward homeownership, the FDA’s assist them with the homeownership process and make referrals to first-time homebuyers programs. Those families who cannot afford their apartments at the end of the program receive assistance in finding other affordable housing. All families are encouraged to enter the Supervised Savings Program which allows participants to save toward their stated goals.
With the assistance of Families Forward staff, participants choose apartment units in the private rental market and lease directly from landlords. Families Forward staff oversee the completion of an agreement (Rental Assistance Contract) between the family, the landlord and Families Forward, which establishes the roles and responsibilities of each of the parties. Families Forward staff is engaged in all phases of the process, including inspections of the unit, assisting with the lease-up and helping to resolve any problems with the units. If the family chooses to relocate at the end of transitional stay, Families Forward staff assists the family in identifying other housing.
This program supports dignity and self-confidence by providing at-risk children with new backpacks and required school supplies enabling them to enjoy that "new crayon smell" along with their peers on the first day of the school year. As long as supplies are available, children may get their school supplies replenished on an as needed basis. Vouchers for school uniforms may also be available.
Thanksgiving/SHARE Program
Families Forward partner with the local Share Program to hold a Thanksgiving-themed grocery distribution the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Families can receive traditional Thanksgiving fixings to make a delicious holiday meal. Children participate in fun-filled activities such as face painting and arts & crafts while their parents pick up their baskets.
Adopt-a-brighter for the families we serve by donating gifts as well as gas and grocery cards. Donors are eager to provide thoughtful personalized holiday gifts for children who live in anticipation. Family Program Each December, generous donors help to make the holidays a little.
For more info call:
Norma Harris
Cheryl’s Kloset
Volunteer Coordinator
“"Where Caring is Not an Option"
Homelessness is a major problem in our communities that has steadily grown in the past few years. The 2008 economic crisis changed the fabric of our country, turning hard working families, who have always provided for themselves, into struggling households. For over 28 years Stable Families has been meeting the needs of such families who cope daily with financial crisis and impoverished lack. Our help program provides transitional housing with support services that offers career counseling, life skills coaching, employment training and employment retention services. Although housing and identifying employment is the primary contributor to stabilization, other needs must be met. To create a way to assist in meeting those needs, Stable Families introduced our expansion program, Cheryl’s Kloset, in April of 2005.
Cheryl’s Kloset was founded upon a legacy, Mrs. Cheryl King, and is lovingly dedicated to her memory. Mrs. King took great pride in her appearance and was extremely fashionable but, far most Cheryl was generous of herself. At a very young age Mrs. King succumbed suddenly to a treatable medical condition. In keeping with her generosity, all of her professional attire was donated to the Stable Families Program to help provide for women seeking to enter or reenter the work force. The success that spawned from the “gift of Cheryl” fueled a donation drive to operate a continual clothes closet.
Cheryl’s passing, which was ruled avoidable, was deeply grieved by loved ones and the community that she served. In 2007 the award winning documentary news program, 20/20, televised Cheryl’s story with the hope that no other woman would undergo her experience for lack of not having received proper medical guidance. In consideration of this and the frequent requirement for more than the provision of common needs, Cheryl’s Kloset has evolved into a place of care which also supplies comfort, information, referral and linkage to other service providers.
In the past year, through the combined effort of Stable Families and Cheryl’s Kloset, 46 families received a rental subsidy to include case management, 320 children were provided with traditional school supplies and 79 program participants received winter coats, hats scarves and gloves. To our pleasure, a multitude of families received canned goods and other pantry staples.
It is our hope to continue to serve the metropolitan community. Primarily, residents residing within the District of Columbia were being served but recently Cheryl’s Kloset was expanded to include a location in Temple Hills, MD. Having just completed our summer clothing giveaway we are certain that the need is now greater than ever. As the fall and holiday season approaches we stand in dire need of clothing, food supplies and basic household items. We need you. With your kind donation we will be able to help the families we serve maintain a stable environment.
To support formerly homeless families that we place in housing and other families at risk residing in the surrounding communities Cheryl’s Kloset is asking for payable donations. We also accept gently used clothing, furniture, household items, linen, school supplies, childcare products, hygiene products, housekeeping products and non-perishable food items.
Cheryl’s Kloset has 501c3 status and as such most if not all donations are tax deductible.
Click below to contribute
Cheryls Kloset.docx
New Approach is more than just a trendy, eye‐catching program name. It is a commitment to being responsive in an ever‐changing environment, to staying up‐to‐date on best practices, industry standards and population trends and to implementing learning in a way that keeps up with the needs that are facing us all. New Approach is a commitment to remaining flexible, and never, ever settling for mediocrity or the easy way out. New Approach is an honest, up‐front acceptance of and acknowledgement that what worked yesterday does not always work today and what works today may not be what is best tomorrow. New Approach grabs on to the excitement that comes in knowing that you are always moving in the right direction.
The New Approach Career Advancement Program (NACAP) was created to assist families in achieving their goals of self‐sufficiency by ensuring that timely and useful employment assistance is provided in a way that is easy to understand. Like many employment programs, NACAP provides:
• Job Readiness: creating and/or revising your resume and cover letter, identifying creative techniques to get your resume seen, job search skills, and mastering interview skills that would leave a lasting impression.
• Job Development & Placement: ongoing support to assist in finding a job and preparing for a career. In addition, NACAP will use resources to link participants directly to available employment opportunities.
Where NACAP sets itself apart from most employment programs is in what else is included:
• Entrepreneurship Development: for interested individuals who have the drive to take their financial future in their own hands by creating a business. These talented individuals will be assisted in building a business plan and securing business license.
Participants will also be exposed to business presenters and be provided the opportunity to work with business mentors that can provide the guidance to turn dreams into reality.
Professional Success Skills: in today’s competitive market it is more critical than ever that employees, business owners and every person who interacts with the business world come to the table armed with knowledge about expectations for professional conduct in a business environment, how to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultural experiences, how to communicate in ways that demonstrate and demand respect, how to build a positive professional reputation and how to provide service that leaves people wanting to work with you.
NACAP is the employment program designed to meet the complex needs of the emerging marketplace by meeting the complex needs of today’s workers.
Let Us Help
The Transitional Housing Program is designed to help families who have recently faced a crisis that left them homeless. Families Forward helps these families get back on their feet by providing housing, counseling, career coaching, life-skills training, and referral services. The transitional homes are spread throughout neighborhoods to protect families' privacy and preserve their dignity, which is especially important for school-age children. Rent on the homes and length of stay are determined between the client and counselor.
Who Qualifies
Candidates for the Transitional Housing Program must have minor-aged children. This is an intensive program designed to help willing families achieve and maintain financial self-sufficiency. Families must meet the Federal Government's HUD definition of homeless and must have basic English language skills.
How to Apply
There is a high demand for entry into the Transitional Housing Program and of course we cannot guarantee placement. Families Forward does not have an emergency shelter, but if you are in need call us and we will be pleased to refer you to an appropriate shelter. If you are interested in joining the Transitional Housing Program, please call our office at (202) 639-9760.
What Happens Next
We are here to help. Because we cannot guarantee a placement in a home at any particular time as the amount of time a family spends in transitional homes varies, we are not able to keep a waiting list for homes. Whenever there is an opening in the program, our counselors review the family information forms that have been submitted. So it is very important that our contact information on each prospective family is current. If you are in an emergency situation or other crisis, call us and we will do our best to assist you in locating other options.
Since the goal of Families Forward’s Programs is to prepare families for permanent housing, they receive constant preparation for permanent tenancy while participating in the Stable Families Program.
The turn-key approach allows participants who can afford unsubsidized rent to stay in their homes after the two-year transitional program. For those families ready and able to work toward homeownership, case management assists them with the homeownership process by making referrals to first-time homebuyers programs.
Those families who cannot afford their apartments at the end of the program receive assistance in finding alternative housing.
Families Forward has a high success rate in assisting graduates in obtaining long term rental subsidies and locating alternative affordable housing.
On an average, 85% of the families that are served through Families Forward are able to sustain their home at the completion of transitional placement.
An average of 10% lack sufficient income to maintain housing independently at the completion of placement and are assisted in identifying alternative housing. The remaining 5% have proven the need for additional intensive services.
Our food pantry offers individuals and families emergency groceries. Clients receive bags of food with non-perishable food items from most of the food groups as well as bread; we also provide fresh produce when available. We can also supply essential items for infants such as diapers and formula when available.
To qualify, you must live in the District of Columbia or be homeless. If you or your family is without food or at risk of not having enough food, call us at (202) 639-9760. We can supply emergency food as well as register you for the food distribution program. We are part of a network of food providers and do our best to stay current with all the resources in Washington, DC; for better service we may refer you to another provider that is closer to your residence.
Call us at (202) 639-9760 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Fridays. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.
Grant guidelines require us to review a photo ID and proof of residence in Washington, DC (utility bill, lease agreement, etc) and if employed proof of income.
If an emergency, call us at (202) 639-9760 regardless of residence or income. We will do our best to supply emergency food or refer you to a closer provider.
Are you having trouble finding or keeping a job that will pay your bills? Our Career Coaching Program may be able to help. Once a week, Families Forward offers "Job Launch" workshops to help you in developing skills in job-search strategies, resume writing, and interviewing skills. Descriptions of topics covered in each workshop can be found on our Job Launch Registration Form at the right.
Schedule of Upcoming Job Launch Workshops
Resumes - Part 1
"Put Your Work Into Words" - TBD
Resumes - Part 2
"Sharpen Your Resume for the Hit" - TBD
Note: Though Part 1 is not required in order to take this workshop, it is strongly recommended!
To sign up or learn more about one of these workshops, please complete the Job Launch Registration Form linked above and return it to Families Forward, or call (202) 639-9760 and our front desk volunteers will be glad to help you. Space is limited, so reserve your place as soon as possible!
JobLaunchRegFormJan2012.doc
Families Forward offers in home instruction to families having the need or desire to develop simple routines that allow for their home to remain attractive and tidy.
Our housekeeping advisor provides a housekeeping kit consisting of cleansers and cleaning tools to help improve the maintenance of the home. Units and items that allow for the proper organization of clothing, personal and household items are provided.
The housekeeping advisor also assists with the purchase of simple accent and decorative pieces that sparks beauty in the home. When the workshop is completed, housekeeping plans are developed with the family and the housekeeping advisor follow-ups with the family as needed to ensure that the home remains a welcome place for the family.
Washington DC Assistance and Aid Programs.
Find a listing of agencies, charities, non-profits, government programs, and other organizations that can provide help in the Washington DC area. Receive assistance with everything from paying your rent, to heating and utility bills, free food, counseling for debt and foreclosures, and much more.
Catholic Charities - DCEAF - Southeast Family Center ((202) 574-3442), Capitol Hill Group Ministry (202) 548-4012, Near Northeast Community Improvement Corporation ((202) 399-6900), Marshall Heights ((202) 396-1200), Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ ((202) 723-2542), UPO - Anacostia Community Service Center ((202) 610-0466) all offer the following rent assistance and utility services to residents. The applicant need to be in receipt of an eviction or court or eviction notice, disconnected utility services or cut-off notice, with an emergency situation that is contributing to an inability to pay for their rent or utilities, but with an ability to make future payments for these expenses and the applicant must show a willingness to work with a case manager. (202) 548-4012.
Catholic Charities - ERAP - Southeast Family Center - This non-profit refers families and individuals to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The program may be able to help applicants and refer people to locations around the city which provide housing assistance. ERAP may help pay late costs, overdue rent, legal fees and court fees, security or damage deposit, and first month's rent for eligible individuals. Call (202) 574-3442.
Center City Community Corporation - This non-profit addresses a residents immediate needs by providing, when available, assistance with food and clothing. Provides referrals for furnishings through Central Union Mission's emergency furniture program. In addition, the agency also assists with mortgage, rent, heating and utility payments for residents of Ward 2 North of the 1100 block of M Street, NW. Call (202) 789-0868
Community Family Life Services - Provides weekly distribution of groceries to low-income families in zip code 20001. Also emergency rent and utility assistance is available if someone has a disconnection or eviction notice. Find other emergency utility programs. Learn more. (202) 347-0511
Father McKenna Center runs an emergency assistance program. The center offers emergency rent, mortgage assistance and utility and electric assistance to residents of Ward 2 that reside south of the 1100 block of M Street, NW. (202) 842-1112
Greater Washington DC Urban League - The center provides rent help, mortgage payment and utility bill assistance to families and individuals who are living in Ward 5 of the District of Columbia through the DC Emergency Assistance Fund. Call (202) 529-8701
Housing Counseling Services also runs the ERAP housing program, which may be able to help pay overdue housing and rent expenses, late costs, security or damage deposit, court fees, and first month's rent and other housing expenses. Call (202) 667-7006
Neighbors' Consejo is a non-profit that provides emergency rent, mortgage payment, food and/or utility and electric assistance to residents of Ward 1 in Washington DC. Call (202) 234-6855
Salvation Army - East of the River Initiative - Ward 8 residents only may be able to access emergency rent, mortgage, and utility bill assistance under the DC Emergency Assistance Fund. Another services that is offered, which is in cooperation with Washington gas, may be able to help Washington DC area residents pay their home heating bills through the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF). Call (202) 561-2000
Regardless of what Ward you live in Salvation Army - Social Service Office (phone (202) 332-5000) may be able to provides eligible low income DC residents with assistance. Receive free food, funds for paying rent, prescription medicines, utility bills, clothing, furniture (for those over 60), and transportation. They also run the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) for heating bills.
Shaw Community Service Center (phone (202) 462-6401) provides qualified individuals with job training, career counseling, clothing, and emergency food and commodities, rental help, and heating and utility assistance. Also learn about such services as free heating oil.
Washington DC rent assistance programs and agencies.
If you are facing an eviction, need funds for paying your security deposit or first months rent, then the District of Columbia Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) may be a resource for you. Even late fees and back rent can be paid for qualified applicants. The program was created to help those renters and families who are faced with some form on unexpected housing emergency.
Many different types of people can get help. Financial grants and assistance can be provided for the unemployed, elderly households (which are considered age 60 or older), low-income DC households with children, the working poor, and people with disabilities. To learn more or to apply for help from the District of Columbia Emergency Rental Assistance Program, email tyra.watkins_dc.gov.
Another non-profit charity organization to contact in DC is the Greater Washington Urban League. They administer the Tenant Base Rental Assistance program in the area. The primary reason this program was created was to assist clients of the Urban League in both finding and maintaining short and long term housing stability, and to reduce the number of people who are evicted and homeless in the area. The TBRA rental assistance program is designed to act as a buffer until an applicant gets into Section 8 housing or finds another longer term situation. Call 202-265-8200.
Only individuals under extreme duress or an emergency may be able to get rental help from By Grace Through Faith Ministries Inc. Can assist with numerous emergency needs, one of which is housing/rent.
Certain wards are served by the Washington DC Salvation Army. The Salvation Army National Capital can offer applicants with rent assistance and eviction prevention programs. Food and money for paying other housing costs, such as utilities, are also available. 202-561-2000
Debt counseling, housing and foreclosure services
