Legacy House

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Legacy House

• A program for Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) in
  Berks County
• Operated by Driven Ministries, Inc.

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What we know

• 2006 - 737 calls to the NRS from callers in the
  610 area code.
• 2007 - increased to 1,699 (120)
• 45 unaccompanied youth identified by Berks County
  School Districts (2007-2008)
• 12 in one school year in one district
• The closest shelter Philadelphia or Bethlehem
• No counseling services
• No local hotline

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History of RHY services in Berks

• Trying to establish a shelter for 30 years
• Various organizations have looked at this
• Homeless Coalition Youth Committee
• Applied for RHY federal grant in 2005

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What we have

• Homeless Childrens Initiative BCIU
• Liaisons in 18 districts
• for outreach and prevention programs provided
  by Driven
• Awarded 25,000 from United Way
• Driven Ministries, Inc.

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Who is Driven Ministries, Inc?

• Non-profit, faith-based organization
• Mission is to instill value, reveal purpose, and
  offer direction to youth and their families
• Have made it part of mission to establish
  services for RHY

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Driven Core Values
Accept
We love and accept students unconditionally and
meet them where they are, while leading them to
where they need to be.
Students are loved unconditionally and met where
they are, yet led to where they need to be.
Pursue
We are unwavering in our desire to reach every
student in order to make an impacting difference
in their lives.
Value
We understand there is a tremendous
significance to each life and that life
counts.
Encourage
We support students in their abilities and
lifes calling and encourage them to be
all they were created to be.
Equip
We provide students with the tools needed
to live the most productive and successful
life possible
Challenge
We confront the hard issues and are not afraid
to tell teenagers the truth about
their lives, even though that truth may be hard
to face.
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Driven Ministries, Inc Services

• Legacy House RHY services
• Motivational speaking
• Say What??? support group for youth
• Building Bridges parenting classes
• Hand in Hand parent support group
• Parent/Teen Mediation facilitated family
  meeting
• MERGE Parent/Teen Conference (potentially)

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Referral process for Legacy House services

• Community and schools

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Scope of the program

• Berks County youth age 12-17
• Goal is to serve at least 45 youth in 2009
• Referrals from local homeless education liaisons
• Part time case manager will be hired

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What happens after a referral is made?

• Youth will be assessed for need for housing
  (shelter or host home)
• Parents will be notified and consulted
• Any indication of abuse will be reported to CYS
  immediately
• Case management will assess family and youth for
  ongoing services and make referrals
• Case management services for 30 days following
  referral

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Role of Local Homeless Education Liaison

• Provide referrals to the Legacy House program for
  RHY services
• Work closely with Legacy House case manager to
  ensure education services during housing crisis
• Coordinate with Bethany Childrens Home as needed
  to ensure continued education services for youth
• Make referrals to Driven for RHY prevention
  services as needed

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Future Plans

• Document need for RHY services
• Determine best way to serve this population
  moving forward (e.g. shelter vs. host home
  model, services etc.)
• Apply for ongoing federal, state and local grants
  for RHY prevention and intervention services
• Expand services as needed

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Contact Information

• Melanie Holland
• Driven Ministries, Inc.
• 610-331-9572