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EMAILWIRE.COM, March 21, 2013 ) Dothan, AL -- For well over 25 years, the Atlanta Children's Shelter (ACS) has provided a safe and loving day shelter for homeless children and have extended a helping hand to families trying to attain self-sufficiency. Their mission is simple, their shelter strives to offer homeless kids a safe haven, completely free of charge, for as long it is needed and help their parents handle the situations unique to homeless parenting.
With a proven track record since 1986, the Atlanta Childrens Shelter has successfully assisted in stabilizing nearly 5,000 homeless families and over 8,000 homeless children by transitioning the families into stable housing and sustainable employment.
The caring staff and teachers at ACS provide their kids with hope, love and reassurance everyday by offering access to medical attention, educational and enrichment activities, daily meals, nutritional snacks, clothing and even field trips.
The following is a list of some of the programs offered by the Atlanta Childrens Shelter:
Early Childhood Education and Enrichment Activities The Shelter prioritizes creating an environment where kids feel safe, can grow and learn. To accomplish this ACS provides access to basic needs like two daily nutritional meals, snacks and biweekly medical evaluations. At the medical evaluations, kids can receive immunizations and referrals to primary healthcare providers. Children who attend ACS also have access to customized education, whereas many public school institutions in the area require a permanent physical address.
In addition to basic school studies, the Atlanta Childrens Shelter broadens the horizons of their students by offering foreign language classes, music and art education and activities that encourage dance and fitness. Children the option to participate in various cultural and enrichment activities including weekly field trips to Fernback, the Atlanta Zoo and other fun places other children enjoy.
Support Groups and Workshops Parents taking advantage of the resources offered by the Atlanta Childrens Shelter are provided the opportunity to attend hosted support groups and workshops covering a variety of topics ranging from Communication Skills to Nutrition.
Case Management Services After a thorough assessment of family needs, an ACS case management representative and parent develop mutually agreed upon goals for self-sufficiency. These goals are formally stated on a Service Plan, which serves as a contract between the parent and the Atlanta Childrens Shelter for the length of enrollment.
Once the Service Plan is defined, counseling begins to ease stress relating to housing, employment, education, medical and emotional needs and financial challenges. Case management representatives also help parents connect with local resources to find housing, employment, food assistance and more.
Job Track Employment Program and Transition to Permanent Housing This terrific program offers job readiness education and counseling services to build life skills necessary to achieve permanent employment. Some of the services provided include job leads, job search resources, resume workshops, interview training, access to professional clothing and transportation assistance.
After employment, the next step needed in breaking the cycle of homelessness is leaving the shelter system and attaining permanent housing. To help, ACS has a broad selection of services making the transition easier. Some of these services include credit counseling, money management classes, furniture referrals, home starter kits and transitional childcare. Rent and utility deposit assistance is sometimes provided to participating parents when funds are available.
The Aftercare Program This unique program provides ongoing care to families for up to one year after they have found permanent housing and employment. Case management representatives help these families by monitoring their progress through follow-up appointments, counseling services and advocacy services. Emergency financial assistance can also be provided when funds are available.
More information about the Atlanta Childrens Shelter can be obtained by calling (404) 892-3713 or visiting their website,
www.acsatl.org.
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http://www.cochrannation.com. Working for You. Article by Ben Irwin, Esq.###
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Ben Irwin
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detroit@disabilitylawyerindetroit.comSource:
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