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The Four Pillars of Success

There are many ways to offer help, but what are the most meaningful ways that we can help?

We have discovered, through over 25 years of serving homeless adults and families, that meeting a person’s basic need for food, shelter, and safety helps to resolve crisis. However, once a person is stabilized, we empower our clients to move out of crisis and develop stable independence.

True success is achieved through a commitment to our Four Pillars.

  • CONNECTION: Establishing a healthy connection to another person is the first step to rebuilding a life.
  • HOPE: Once a connection is made, hope can take root.
  • INTENTION: An intention is a focused and realistic goal.
  • INTEGRITY: Intention is deciding on a path to take; integrity is staying on it.

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Studies show that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), such as severe abuse and neglect, are strong predictors of homelessness because they have a long-term negative impact on physical and mental health. All of our programs are ACE-informed. Our program and case managers are trained not only to understand the role of ACEs, but also to articulate the values and principles that make healing possible.

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Each program addresses the effects of specific ACEs on adult clients, and builds on their desire to avoid creating a new cycle of ACEs for their children. ACEs are not accepted as an excuse to justify anti-social behavior or poor life outcomes, but rather are explicitly recognized in a way that helps clients understand their suffering and chronic bad experiences, so that they may move past them into a healthier future.

All shelter residents participate in our ACEs seminar as part of our Good Morning Group activities. Parents receive training in understanding and recognizing ACEs during the Kids First Parenting Class.