ICAN was recently awarded a $3,000 grant from The Women’s Fund to begin a new and innovative mentorship program between successful past residents and current residents at Evelyn’s House.
Evelyn’s House, a program of ICAN, provides transitional housing to homeless women ages 16-24 who are pregnant and/or parenting. Evelyn’s House strives for desired outcomes in three target areas, all of which contribute to long-term independence and empowerment of the young women in the program: 1) securing stable housing and improved financial stability, 2) increased access to education and employment, and 3) improved maternal and child health and well-being. The program can support seven young women and up to 12 children for up to 24 months with an estimated 16 women and 17 children receiving housing and services annually.
The mentoring initiative would allow for personal growth for past and present clients. The funding will provide supplies and incentives for the mentorship program such as gift card incentives, journals, books, art supplies and household supplies.
Director of Transitional Services, Lisa Reginelli, is excited about piloting the new effort. “The mentorship program will be impactful in three ways – it will offer our former clients a chance to interview and gain experience, it will provide our current residents additional guidance and support and it will allow our staff members to gain professional leadership experience. It’s a win for us on many levels.”
Past residents will apply and interview with Evelyn’s House for their role as a mentor and will be offered incentives to participate. Mentors will attend weekly groups with current residents working with them for the duration of their stay at the house, utilizing a peer support model that has been proven effective in other ICAN programs.
ABOUT ICAN
Founded in 1997, ICAN is an innovative, community-based provider that facilitates individual and family-driven services to restore social, emotional, behavioral health and well being to keep families together. Using the Wraparound philosophy towards treatment, ICAN builds a comprehensive team to provide the child and family with individualized treatment and services to help them meet their goals. ICAN staff, along with their extensive Independent Practice Association (IPA) network currently provide support to over 1,500 individuals and families each day – prenatally through end of life – in over six counties in their homes, at schools and in the community.
