COMMUNITY

Community Partnerships

Only through the involvement of several crucial local agencies does the Center offer such a wide range of quality services to our guests. Partner organizations and individuals contribute time and expertise, allowing our guests access to the best resources in the community.

Madison Center

As the designated Community Mental Health Center for St. Joseph County, Madison Center houses two programs on-site at our facility. The Community Support Program provides outreach to those with psychiatric disabilities, especially the chronically mentally ill who are otherwise unidentified or underserved. Its drop-in center allows access to psychological testing, payeeship services, behavior management, referral coordination and medication monitoring. Also on-site is New Passages, an intensive specialized outpatient treatment program for those with addictions.

Memorial Hospital & Health System

By providing primary medical care at an on-site satellite clinic here at the Center, Memorial Hospital offers critical help to guests suffering from everything from a common cold to chronic illness. This South Bend hospital also designed and funds our Play, Exploration and Developmental Support (PEDS) program, which gives homeless children from birth to age three a unique opportunity to grow cognitively and socially during a critical phase in their development. Screenings, interventions and classes in positive parenting round out the service offered, and approaches are culturally competent, holistic and family-centered.

The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes

A preschool program for homeless children ages three to six operates in our Montessori classroom here at the Center five days a week for six hours a day. It is staffed by trained and certified Montessori Academy teachers and is the only Montessori program in the United States that specifically serves the homeless population. Eighth graders from the Academy at Edison Lakes come each Tuesday morning for classes and servicework.

South Bend Community School Corporation

The SBCSC provides school liaison services to all school-aged children at the Center. A case worker assists children in the enrollment process, assessment, and placement within the school system. The school social worker also assists in working with teachers to provide after school programming to address children's educational needs. In addition, the SBCSC provides adult education classes at the Center including GED preparation, computer training, and basic training courses.

Crooked Creek Ranch Horseback Riding Ministry

Children who live at the Center are able to take part in therapeutic horseback riding at Crooked Creek Ranch in Wakarusa. The experience improves their self-confidence, physical coordination, and appreciation for animal life and nature.

The Garden of Life

This program enables homeless children to cultivate their own food through teamwork and cooperation. Fruits and vegetables harvested from the children's garden are served at The Center.

AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist

AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist provides educational, testing and counseling services on-site at the Center one afternoon per week.

Veterans Administration

The Veterans Administration provides counseling and Veterans services to eligible homeless persons – a representative of the Vet Center comes to the Center for the Homeless one full day each month.

Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration provides services on a biweekly basis on-site at the Center, assisting homeless persons to register and access various government benefits.