tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55310928800529210622024-03-13T16:58:34.925-05:00Community MattersNotes from Community LINCAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.comBlogger250125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-84846453612663197302017-12-07T13:39:00.002-06:002017-12-07T13:40:50.657-06:00A Note of Thanks from a Graduate<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvZ9BaMWspZ3RLpPvslD-3B_O1PSvVbBOcCbW-z1GDoDGxjqorr2VLhSpDjgh3yv79KUZpUVo6UefSsP_BZwAO45FEYyMVycl_hYzQ3H7SrC1rtunGi0dwrNe_AngQOpyB8KF17us9Qk/s1600/mom+with+babies.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="275" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvZ9BaMWspZ3RLpPvslD-3B_O1PSvVbBOcCbW-z1GDoDGxjqorr2VLhSpDjgh3yv79KUZpUVo6UefSsP_BZwAO45FEYyMVycl_hYzQ3H7SrC1rtunGi0dwrNe_AngQOpyB8KF17us9Qk/s320/mom+with+babies.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wanted to write this letter to simply say Thank You!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After two years of sleeping on floors, staying house-to-house,
moving in different shelters, and spending every bit of money I had on hotel rooms
just for some type of peace - I got to wake up today in my own home! This
testimony of mine has really been a journey for me and my babies and I am so
thankful for this program. I really don’t know where I’d be right now if you
all didn’t have the faith in me to give me a second chance to stand where I am
right now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was really broken and when I got into Community LINC so many
doors had been slammed in my face and I had been let down so much that I was
truly and honestly at the point of giving up because I couldn’t understand:
“why me?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have so many stories but one that stands out the most to me is
giving birth to Zion, my son. I couldn’t even be happy. It was hard to
smile. It was so hard to even be happy.
God blessed me with this beautiful baby boy and I knew once we stepped out of
that hospital that I had nowhere to take my baby. I cried myself to sleep every
single night because I knew I had to take my newborn to a shelter. I will NEVER
forget how I felt and I will never forget all the things I went through leading
up to now! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At that point I was done and I wanted to give up. It’s like
knowing you have the ability to climb that ladder but the foundation you’re
standing on isn’t sturdy enough to hold you still, so no matter how hard you
continue to try you still are getting knocked over. After all the bruises,
scrapes and cuts, you all handed me that ladder and held it for me. Although
the foundation was still a little rocky, I was able to climb out of that hole
that’s had me trapped for so long! And I am beyond thankful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know that everybody has a story and everyone coming into this
program is battling something. You guys are truly Gods workers and you are
truly amazing. You ladies have worked with me and been the most help I have had
throughout this whole two-year journey. And I don’t have enough words to even
begin to say THANK YOU!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I came into this program with nothing but a bag and was able to
leave with so much more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope this letter reaches every last one of you and once again
thank you all for blessing me and my babies. It has truly been a pleasure being
in the presence of angels. Thank you!!!</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-48491970256250448742017-01-20T08:15:00.000-06:002017-01-20T08:15:50.610-06:00A New Start<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">By Alicia Horton, Mobile Assessment Worker</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">Bree, a
single, working mother and her children have lived without a home for the past
3 months, due to a few unfortunate events. When they first became homeless, the
family stayed with whoever would let them. We call this house hopping or couch
surfing. The family would sleep on the floor or on a couch. They lived with
constant fear of being asked to leave, and any sense of freedom or privacy was
lost. After wearing out their welcome
with family and friends, the family ended up sleeping in their car until they
were able to find temporary housing in an emergency shelter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">After a few
days at the shelter, Bree’s caseworker referred her to Community LINC. I
called to schedule an intake screening. Since she’s a full-time employee
working 9 to 5pm, I agreed to meet with her at her place of employment. One of
the great opportunities at Community LINC is that we can meet family’s right
where they are, reducing the stress of having to make arrangements for
transportation or take time off work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">The family
is now in the processing of being housed with Community LINC! This is a great
start to the family’s journey to being self-sufficient again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-44127517005437479852017-01-13T15:10:00.000-06:002017-01-13T15:10:55.418-06:00Keep Pushing Forward<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">By Employment Job Coach
Constance Taylor</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">When Ms. Joiner shared that
her job was moving to another state, I searched for the right words to
say. I knew how hard this young lady had
worked to secure position. The hourly wage was sufficient for permanent
housing. She had just purchased a truck. The kids were all in daycare and the
daycare payment fit her budget. How could this be happening? Not right now! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Ms. Joiner had just been
approved for her new home. The income from her job allowed her to become
self–sufficient. She was now faced with
no income. I assured her everything would be okay and reminded her that with
her motivation and tenacity she would have another job very soon, “You just
wait and see.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">As we talked, I learned more
about her dream job, and what type of career would inspire her. Although she
never complained, she did tell me that the last job was only a stepping stone
to where she wanted to be. She needed her high school diploma to move forward.
She just didn’t have the time to devote to improving her education; her
priority was having the income necessary to providing a home for her five
children. She also shared her desire to
reinstate her Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA) license so that she could go
back to taking care of people who were unable to care for themselves. At that
moment I reflected back on the day she came to Community LINC. She maneuvered with the twins in a double
stroller and another young child walking alongside her. Each child was intently
listening and following her instructions.
She was a natural nurturer and helping her reinstate her CNA was the way
to get her back on track. We located the funds to pay for the license and she
quickly registered for an upcoming test. Within a few weeks, she received her
certificate and was on her way. She networked with some people in the
healthcare field and was hired very quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Ms. Joiner enjoys her new job
and is excited about the benefits that include transportation to work if she
ever needs it. Recently, she was offered
an opportunity for a paid training course to become a Certified Medical
Technician. If successful, she’ll increase her salary. She works manyof her off
days and just secured part-time employment with another company on the
weekends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Ms. Joiner is a perfect
example of what it means to keep pushing forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-70020716399912766412017-01-06T09:13:00.000-06:002017-01-06T09:13:21.978-06:00Happy New Beginning<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">By Victoria Jonas, CTI Case
Manager</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">The New Year has given me
cause to reflect back on my first few months as a Case Manager at Community
LINC. Once client in particular stands out for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">In November, Community LINC helped
a young mother and her beautiful baby boy move into their first apartment. This
client was able to find housing before her scheduled exit date. She is now
employed full time as a security guard and really enjoys her job. Her
employment allows her to pay fair market value for her apartment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">This client struggled with
homelessness and “couch surfing” for two years due to her poor family dynamics
and her mother’s ongoing substance abuse issues. She gave birth to her son
during her homelessness. However, throughout her stay at Community LINC, she displayed
great connection and parenting skills toward her son. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">The week that the client
moved to her own apartment, she was able to take her son to get a professional
photograph taken. She was so proud to show them off to all of the program
staff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">It was very humbling to work
with this family as a new CTI-Case Manager and watch her become
self-sufficient. I look forward to working with her during aftercare and
watching her continue to grow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-7364131485089225632017-01-03T07:55:00.004-06:002017-01-03T07:56:28.137-06:00Gifts<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By Holly Gardner, Intake and Resident Specialist</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The staff here at Community LINC are just wrapping up our
Christmas holiday time period. What an
exciting time to be part of this team! Christmas impacts all of us in very
different ways but one thing we do have in common is enjoying the spirit of
Christmas and it comes to us every year in many different forms. I have learned
that it’s the unexpected and spontaneous acts of love that bless me the most
and I do my best to stay aware of that on our busy days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This year the highlight for me was moving six families into
apartments and helping to coordinate Christmas adoptions so that the incoming
families were connected with an adopting organization. It’s a huge effort to
coordinate the organizations’ need to give and the families’ need for some sort
of Christmas Day festivities. It’s a special challenge for those families
moving in from shelters the month of December. Christmas can seem daunting as
the parent(s) try to establish themselves in a new environment and meet their
goals. It was an honor to be part of this process, to see the staff from
adopting organizations coming to Community LINC with their gifts, always bright
eyed, smiling and so very happy to know they are impacting people in such fun
and positive ways. As I was home with my family, feeling very blessed and a
little weary too, I couldn’t help but think about our families here at
Community LINC. How their winter break was going and how many parents and
bright-eyed children we had smiling on this Christmas day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With a New Year full of new projects and new adventures, I recognize
that soon enough the month of December will be back around with its challenges of
coordinating the practical side of the holidays. I think on this with an
uplifted spirit knowing that the true gifts will again be the unmeasurable
ones.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-54565574988464561012016-12-21T07:16:00.000-06:002016-12-21T07:16:14.065-06:00Hope<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">By Emily
Lyons, CTSI Case Manager</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As one of the family coaches here at Community LINC I get
the privilege of walking beside our residents on their journey. Often, their
paths are littered with obstacles that take time and perseverance to overcome.
Because of such, one of my most important tasks as a family coach is to instill
hope in our residents. Hope – something that we all need but often lack in a
time of trial. It's hoping for a bigger and brighter tomorrow that is often
hard for our residents to see when the hurdles seem overwhelming and
unconquerable. For me, Community LINC is a community filled with hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just look around our campus. Walk around the playground
after evening program – you will hear sweet giggles from our residents’
children. Visit our wellness groups, and you will see residents sharing snacks
while learning new life skills. Listen in on a one on one meeting with a
resident – you will hear positive dialog, encouragement, and hope. Hope for our
residents, hope for better days, and hope for the future where homelessness is
a thing of the past – that’s what Community LINC is all about. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-57428672432935037042016-12-13T08:15:00.000-06:002016-12-13T08:30:01.454-06:00Children’s Matters: Not Throwing Away Your Dreams<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><i>By Jamie Lyon KCYA artist and Community LINC Volunteer</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My name is Jaime Lyon, and I am a freelance
visual art teacher that celebrates the creative process while emphasizing and
encouraging self-esteem, self-awareness, and confidence. I’m fortunate enough
to be a teaching artist at Kansas City Young Audiences. KCYA has partnered with
Community LINC where I currently teach a residency art class. These monthly
classes include a variety of projects ranging from self-portraits, masks,
journals to handcrafted shields and vision boards. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of my recent vision board classes was
broken up into two sessions. Our first evening included flipping through
magazines in hopes of finding images that captured the student's dreams and
goals. These pictures ranged from fancy cars to simple cartons of milk. Not
every student was finding the perfect photos so I had them tell me specific
dreams I could find online and I promised them I would print photos to bring
for our second session. I loved learning the dreams of these hopeful and
amazing kids aged 9-17. Some dreams included nice homes, sports cars, high
school diplomas, college degrees, friendships, happy family members, careers,
candy, pets and so much more. As I wrote down their dreams and images to
research, we talked about the importance of a dream and how we have to set goals
to achieve our dreams. We talked about hard work, resiliency and
accountability. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our second session was very productive. The
students gathered all of their images and glued them to a poster board. Some
had twenty items to glue some had three. We celebrated their individual
creations while continuing our conversations of gratitude, worthiness, and
achievements. I found myself drawn to a 17-year-old girl who had worked
intently and quietly on her vision board. She laid out her pictures and wrote
captions under every item. She had big dreams! She wanted to finish high school
and graduate with honors and then go to college and become a very successful
business woman. She would then have a beautiful home with a huge pool and guest
house. She wanted happy friends in her life and a healthy family. She also
wanted to maintain a good relationship with her Mom. She said her Mom was very
important to her and she always wanted her in her life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As we wrapped the class this gentle soul told
me to just keep her vision board; she said she didn’t want it! It broke my
heart. This sweet child had spent two full hours visualizing, dreaming, setting
goals and making plans! She was so close to believing her dreams could come
true. But just like that, she was willing to throw it all away… LITERALLY. She
didn’t want this vision board, which represented a VERY BRIGHT FUTURE. Her
shoulders and head sank as she began to walk away. I stopped her from leaving
and pleaded with her to PLEASE reconsider. “Please take this vision board home
and display it proudly. See your dreams every day. Share these dreams with your
Mom. She’ll want to see your future!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With slight reluctance, she kept the vision
board.” I was relieved as she left with it in her hands! After the students had been gone and the room
was clear I hoped this lesson would help these amazing kids realize their
potential. As I was leaving, I saw the young lady who almost threw her art away
speaking with her Mom. She was showing her the very masterpiece she had almost
let go. Her Mom, who had clearly been at work all day, was wiping the tears
from her face. Her mom was so emotional and so very proud of her. I introduced
myself and told her about our lesson and how amazing I thought her daughter
was. The tears kept flowing as she complimented her daughter for her creation
and me for the lesson. They embraced as they continued to review the vision
board. Her mom was excited to see a bright future for her daughter. She even
joked that she would love to live in her daughter’s guest house. It was a very
moving moment. I think the student was glad she didn’t throw her vision board
away. Her mom insisted they hang it up in the living room where they could both
enjoy visualizing their future! That is Inflated JOY! Wow, I love what I get to
do! Who will you encourage today?</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-70154452666602425132016-11-22T11:47:00.003-06:002016-11-22T11:47:14.296-06:00Thank You Community LINC <i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Shared by a current Community LINC program participant</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My name is Lachelle* and I have two children. For several years I was in a domestic violence situation that had control over my life. I reached out to different agencies to help me get re-established, and I became domestic violence free. Over the years I had moved around a lot and was in debt. We lost our place of residence, and I did not know where to turn, so I went to a local homeless shelter with my two children. I felt ashamed, embarrassed and lost. The homeless shelter sent me to Community LINC, and once my kids and I moved into the Community LINC program, our lives began to change for the better. The Community LINC staff and supporters helped my family learn how to move forward with our lives. My youngest child made new friends that had the same experiences that he did. The new friendships have helped my son feel he has peers who he can talk openly with about his experiences. The program also helped him with coping tools to deal with homelessness and an understanding of how to manage a world of uncertainty. I, too, was given several supports in the way of budgeting classes and healthy lifestyle group topics that were helpful for me. I also participated in individual therapy sessions that helped me find myself, tap into my strengths and identify the barriers that were getting in the way of my progress. While I was learning about my barriers, I also learned how to overcome them, as well as how to support my children as we journeyed to a more stable life. I will forever be grateful for this program. God has blessed this program and blessed us to be able to be a part of it. Since we have been at Community LINC, I have gained a full-time job, found permanent housing for my family, returned to church, and I now connected to helpful resources in the community. I would like to say “thank you” to the Community LINC staff for believing in us and giving us this opportunity to get our lives back on track. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Name have been changed to protect the identity of the program participant</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-33898460698783317532016-11-16T11:34:00.002-06:002016-11-16T11:34:49.467-06:00Perfect World<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">By Holly
Gardner, Intake Specialist</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In a perfect world, I get an empty manila folder
handed to me with only a family’s name and contact info. After checking a few
details, I arrange an appointment for screening; upon acceptance into the
program, I estimate a ready date; and then I provide a move-in date and time to
the new family. Again, this world is
perfect, so the apartment is clean, decorated by volunteers and ready just when
the family needs it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">On their move-in day, the family is given a walk-through
of their apartment and a hug or two. The family and I both get emotional when I
hand them the key. They accept it, and we both know this relationship - this
program - will impact their life journey in a very positive way. But again, this
is a perfect world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Moving to the real world: We recently screened and
accepted a family into our program. The manila folder was on the corner of my
desk next to my “to do” list. In just a
few short days the family went from strangers to the newest family preparing to
move in. The young mom was nine months
pregnant and had three other youngsters.
Her situation at the shelter and other community resources were waning,
and her stress levels were increasing. She left me a soft, sad message on my
answering machine hoping to move up her move-in date.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I let our team know we needed to do all we could
to speed up the process. Everyone pitched in, from maintenance to cleaning to
decorating. As they do so often, things just fell into place. Our maintenance team was in the middle of some
pretty extensive projects, and I did get a grimace or two, but they assured me
that yes they could do it for this mom and her family. Everything was touched, improved upon,
updated and personalized. I was able to call her back and let her know that
what we thought would take us three days we were able to accomplish in a day. Her apartment was ready for her and her
children. In a perfect world maybe this
family would not ever need us, or maybe her barriers could be overcome without
the rigors of a program but we all know perfection is hard to find. In this instance, for this family, we got
very, very close. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-35868966592747717632016-11-04T10:47:00.001-05:002016-11-04T10:48:45.483-05:00China Is My Home<i>By Cais Monroe, Facilitator</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif;">“I want you to draw whatever you
think of when you hear the word home."
Mr. Joshua, Community LINC's Children's Program Manager, was explaining
an activity that I would never forget, "it can be your room, your state,
your old home, your family... whatever that is I want you to draw it."
Then he further explained his personal idea of home, “I moved around a lot when
I was younger, so where ever my family is, it became home for me.” Some children drew houses, others drew their
bedrooms, and participating staff drew pictures of their homes and maps of the
states where they lived. One person even drew an outline of California and the
beaches there back in her home city, however, there were two particular
children whose pictures sank deep into my mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif;">Out of respect for their privacy, I
won't mention their names I'll refer to them as K and J. Both boys full of so
much character and personality; characters so very different but a walk of life
with similar obstacles. I asked K, what he was drawing, so neatly and
creatively, coloring away so care-free, no shame in his perspective of
"home.” "It’s the hotel,” he said still coloring without ever looking
up. Bringing back my oppressed memory of when my family lived briefly in an <i>American
Inn Motel</i> I thought it would be the appropriate moment to share our
stories. K told me about how much fun it was residing in the hotel, riding in
the hotel elevators every morning and having his family so close to each other
in one room. I shared with him that "we had two queen size beds in our
room and my brother and I would jump from bed to bed trying not to touch the
ground of imaginary lava.” K finally looked up, and we laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">J, who is six years old and incredibly
smart and does a hilarious hillbilly impersonation (sorry, that's what he calls
it), well he drew a picture of China. Completely puzzled and dying to know his
thoughts, I asked him more about his drawing. He told me, "I'm going to
live in China one day and it's going to be my home." He named some
historical figures from China and asked me if I knew any. Totally embarrassed
that I didn't know any of these great legends but thoroughly impressed at the
same time, I was blown away by his knowledge of a land that seems so far away
from us. J was a young man focused on his future, not held back or confined to
a definition of <i>home</i>, with an understanding that he could go where ever
he wanted in life, even China. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">These children understand that their
circumstances do not define them and if they are ever doubtful, we are here to
remind them. They have an unusual perspective on life that we as adults could
adopt from time to time. But this is why Community LINC, is so important. The
reality is there isn't always (if ever) an opportunity to have these type of
conversations at school. At Community LINC these activities present so many
opportunities to for us to share our stories with one another, be able to
relate to each other and encourage our children that these situations aren't
ever –lasting. I must say that they help us as well with their resilient ways
of thinking which give us the chance to build on that foundation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-89354301628540244172016-10-28T09:39:00.004-05:002016-10-28T09:46:34.789-05:00The Positive Impact of Social Connections for Parents<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Submitted by Griselda Williams, Mental Wellness Manager</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Recently, I wrote a blog about our relationship with the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF), Missouri’s Foundation for Child Abuse Prevention. CTF awarded Community LINC a grant to fund mental wellness services for children and youth from ages 6-17. Mental wellness services are provided by our Child Therapist and can include individual therapy and socialization and coping skills group. While children and youth receive services, we also provide support services to parents based on the CTF model. Several of our staff participated in a conference and on-line training supported by the CTF with a focus on “Building Protective Factors to Strengthen Families." Topics shared throughout the training included the following protective factors:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Concrete support for parents in times of need</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Parent Resilience</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Social Connections</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Social and Emotional Competence</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Recently, in our parents’ Healthy Lifestyles group, I observed the impact that Social Connections can have for our parents. Clare Hollander, of the Kansas City Public Library, spoke to our parents on Children’s Literacy and provided books for the children. Clare discussed the importance of exposing children of all ages to books. I observed the reactions and listened to the input of several of the program participants. Initially, Anita seemed a bit hesitant to take books for her children. She also shared that, due to her work schedule, she had little time to read to her young children. As another parent, Dena shared how she exposes her 2-year-old son to words and books; Anita asked how she could start reading to her children. The more Dena shared the benefits of exposing her son to books, the more Anita began to see how she could include reading to her children in their bedtime routine. As Dena shared that her son had a library card and how he enjoys going to the library, Anita began to discuss taking her children to the public library. Dena also shared that more parents need to be involved in their children’s schools and Anita then asked how to do this. Dena shared how she stays connected to her son’s school, and by the end of the group meeting, Anita asked Clare Hollander for books for her children. It was evident to me that Social Connections with other parents provided a great support and influence for Anita, more than my words as the group facilitator and our guest librarian could provide. </span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-22427231363348409582016-09-02T08:16:00.000-05:002016-09-02T08:38:19.610-05:00Remember To Take Nothing for Granted!<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By Alicia Horton, Mobile Assessment Case
Manager</span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Each and every day most of us experience
stability. We have a place to stay, food to eat and a car to drive. We have
these luxuries as part of our normal daily routine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now picture your life without just one of the
three, let alone all three at once. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The thought is SCARY to say the least;
right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, these are just a few of the daily
struggles of the families we meet at Community LINC. It’s extremely sad and
disheartening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the things I enjoy most about being
here at Community LINC is, right from the very start we try and meet family’s
right where they are! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For example, if they’re struggling to get from
place to place, we can provide on the spot intake screenings. This limits the
number of times a family has to travel for services while in crisis. We can
connect families with local food pantries, health care providers and other
community-related services to help a family in need. It’s truly a beautiful thing! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Seeing the daily struggles of these families
in crisis makes me truly grateful for the people (family, friends and co-workers)
in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Community LINC is truly the most rewarding
and humbling job I’ve had. I make myself
remember to take nothing for granted.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-86662155157291654792016-08-26T11:08:00.000-05:002016-08-26T11:09:24.169-05:00Transition<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Submitted by Emily Lyons, CTI Case Manager</span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Transition
is hard, but Community LINC is here to make it a little bit easier. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">New
home, new school, new neighborhood, new sounds, new routine. Transition is
hard. Transition is even harder when it involves uncertainty. Families who are
experiencing homelessness often struggle with knowing what comes next, and once
they do find a more stable place to stay, whether that be with a friend or
relative, at a shelter or a community program, most of the uncertainty remains
with them: What happens when I have to leave here? When will my time be up?
What will we do then? Its questions like these that make already difficult
situations turn into impossible tasks. Here at Community LINC, we walk side by
side with our residents to make these transitions less daunting. From the day
residents enter the program, they are supported by staff to look for
employment, enroll children in school, obtain permanent housing, and connect
with community resources in order to make their transition to the next chapter
of their lives easier. Even after our families leave the furnished apartments
on Community LINC’s campus, they are still supported for nine months during our
Aftercare program. Preparing our residents to embrace their new chapter is
sometimes challenging, but more times than not, it is simply rewarding –
especially when through good preparation, the uncertainty diminishes and the
excitement regarding their next steps escalates.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-34814917423310346562016-08-18T08:55:00.000-05:002016-08-18T08:55:50.436-05:00Strong Parents Help Build Stable Children<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Submitted by Griselda Williams, Manager Mental Wellness
Services</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Recently, several coworkers and I met to discuss our annual report for the
Children’s Trust Fund (CTF), Missouri’s Foundation for Child Abuse Prevention.
The grant funds mental wellness services at Community LINC, for children and
youth ages 6-17. Mental wellness services are provided by a Child Therapist to
include individual therapy, socialization, coping group therapy and often
sibling group therapy. As we were
discussing interventions for children and youth our conversation naturally
moved toward mental wellness supports provided to the parents. Some of the
topics shared with Community LINC parents to support stable families and safety
of children include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Protective Factors for Strengthening Families (taken
from training offered via the Children’s Trust Fund).</span></span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Concrete support for parents in times of need</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Parent Resilience</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Social Connections</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Social and Emotional Competence</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development</span></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Parents as Role Model (Open discussion from the,
</span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Children See, Children Do video</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why Does My Child Act Like That? (We discussed
the four archetypes for child misbehavior).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How Well Do You Know Your Child? (Parents were
given a handout with questions about their child’s favorite color, video game,
best friend, etc. Parents met with their children to discuss their responses.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Child Development for children birth to 5 with
the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Social, emotional and cognitive
development of children ages 6-17.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How to Help Your Child after a Traumatic Event
(such as homelessness).</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When parents have information and feel supported there is less risk for
child abuse and neglect. These “protective factors” help families succeed and
increase their resiliency during stressful times; like when they are
experiencing homelessness. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-71328472788321848672016-07-07T16:13:00.004-05:002016-07-07T16:16:31.043-05:00A Win, Win<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>By Tylynn Washington, Immediate Housing Case Manager</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Community
LINC’s Landlord Locator builds a strong inventory of available housing options
for Community LINC’s families. Major responsibilities
include housing location and fostering working relationships with landlords. Working closely with the Housing Specialist, we
develop and implement strategies for retaining these housing options and
communicate landlord’s issues, concerns, and conflicts to staff and families,
to ensure a family can secure and retain permanent housing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What is Rapid Re-housing?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Rapid re-housing serves individuals and families experiencing
homelessness who need </span><b style="color: #333333;"><i>time-limited assistance</i></b><span style="color: #333333;"> in order to get and
keep housing.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #333333;">It reduces the length of time people experience homelessness,
minimizes the impact of homelessness on their lives, and facilitates their
access to resources in the community.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Rapid re-housing programs often </span><b style="color: #333333;"><i>use a relatively
light-touch approach to financial assistance and supportive services</i></b><span style="color: #333333;">,
seeking to provide just enough assistance to help families get back into
housing, while being available to offer additional support or connections to
other resources and programs if more help is needed.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #333333;">Even so, data indicate that 90 percent of households served by Rapid
Re-housing are successfully housed and do not return to shelter. This approach
allows communities to assist more households with the same resources.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Working
With Landlords in Rapid Re-housing<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How do landlords think?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rental
housing is a dollars and cents business.
Landlords and management companies are in the business of reducing risk
and maximizing return on investments.
Rapid Re-housing providers need to adopt a business-oriented or market-driven
approach to recruiting and engaging property owners and management companies. In many ways, I am “selling a product” in the
open market. I have to convince property
owners that our “product” will meet their needs and address their concerns. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marketing the program<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marketing
is one of the best tools to use in developing a pool of landlords and
management companies who are willing to rent directly to our families. Another
good tool is giving the landlord a list of commitments that will inspire them
to partner with Community LINC as we work to make our mission a reality.
Like…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rental
Assistance</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rental
Conflict Advocacy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Quarterly
Housing Partner Luncheons (people love to eat J)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> </b><b>Keeping landlords happy</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the
end of the day, one of my main concerns as a Landlord Locator is to maintain
good relationships. Keeping the lines of communication open by following up
with property owners and agents, keeping our commitments, putting what I was
taught as a Realtor to use and operating with integrity and honesty is what I
try to do for each landlord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These
partnerships pay off for the landlords and for our families. Landlords have the
confidence in their leases with Community LINC families, and our families have
housing options they otherwise would not. If you or someone you know might be
interested in becoming a landlord partner with Community LINC, contact me at <a href="mailto:twashington@communitylinc.org">twashington@communitylinc.org</a> or
816.389.8252.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-1220699279397063682016-06-20T08:38:00.000-05:002016-06-20T08:38:44.521-05:00Children's Matters: Love Louder<div class="paragraph" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>By Children Program Manager,
Joshua Chittum</i></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwa6DFqikRUwgRzIYbAmiZzxQF4pMWhlx0Pg8-aKMsZ2IjOv5-VEODR3agAFU9jZaJAveka4hax-Kc1yajbZhnrtzVq8jGPBzFE8ajQJHfi3P6twY9J1KXiyIWvivbZzJsyf6pWfFZ6HI/s1600/Love+Louder+Family+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwa6DFqikRUwgRzIYbAmiZzxQF4pMWhlx0Pg8-aKMsZ2IjOv5-VEODR3agAFU9jZaJAveka4hax-Kc1yajbZhnrtzVq8jGPBzFE8ajQJHfi3P6twY9J1KXiyIWvivbZzJsyf6pWfFZ6HI/s200/Love+Louder+Family+Pic.jpg" width="111" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="normaltextrun"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="normaltextrun">A
mother and daughter</span> participating in our Interim Housing
Program recently attended the Love Louder conference at UMKC.
Their attendance to the conference was made possible by a donor who
covered the registration fee. Also, thank you to Love Louder
organizers who gave us a discount. The following is a Q&A with Mom
about their weekend experience. <span class="eop"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1. What is Love Louder?</b><span class="eop" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="normaltextrun">It
is a two day conference</span> for girls between 5-14 that
encourages participants to love themselves and increase their
self-worth. <span class="eop"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="normaltextrun"><b>2.
What was your favorite part?</b></span><span class="eop"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="normaltextrun">I
enjoyed how </span>the conference facilitators were so open and friendly
to the parents and children. They gave so many helpful tips on loving
ourselves.<span class="eop"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="normaltextrun"><b>3.
What did your daughter like about the </b></span><b>conference?</b><span class="eop"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="normaltextrun">My
daughter loved dancing and singing with the others girls and instructors. She
learned to give love to herself every day. Since we attended, she has started
jumping up and down in front of the mirror each day saying, "I love
me!" </span><span class="eop"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="normaltextrun"><b>4.
Anything else you would like to mention?</b></span><span class="eop"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="normaltextrun">The
mothers, aunts, and grandmothers got to go to groups for adults during the
conference</span>. It was refreshing to share information about our
kids and their self-worth. My daughter and I are going to go again when it
comes back next May. <span class="eop"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="normaltextrun">If
you are aware of conferences, camps, and enrichment activities that will
benefit </span>children at Community LINC, please reach out to
me! <span class="eop"> - Joshua Chittum * </span><a href="mailto:jchittum@communitylinc.org">jchittum@communitylinc.org</a><span class="eop"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-56755000977414371742016-06-02T17:21:00.001-05:002016-06-02T17:21:21.615-05:00Learning How to Handle Conflict Pays Off <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif;">By
Constance Taylor, Program Manager and Employment Job Coach</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Community
LINC’s goal is always to see our families back on their feet, secure in housing
and gainfully employed. I was so impressed each time I saw Kim with her four
children. She would have her twins in a stroller and the two older children
walking alongside them. I wanted to jump in and help but for fear of complicating
things I would just stand back and watch her make it happen. I finally realized
she had her own system that worked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Kim
seemed so young to have so many children to care for alone. Because of her past
evictions, her only option is a landlord willing to give her a chance to prove
she will pay rent and maintain his property in good condition. She has been
employed for two months now and makes a livable wage. She recently secured
another part-time job working weekends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
has eliminated several warrants and reported to court several times concerning
a domestic disturbance that existed before she came to Community LINC. She has
not only expressed her desire to react to conflict differently but we have
witnessed her ability to work through some challenging situations. She vows to
work, manage her home and take care of her children. The progress she has
already made while managing four children on her own shows her dedication. She
is looking for this second chance for housing now and is ready to move forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-46145452885934909502016-05-16T10:02:00.000-05:002016-05-17T10:47:55.270-05:00Art as a Tool for Healing<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By Griselda Williams, Manager Mental
Wellness Services</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 115%;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For many years, art has been used as a tool
to promote healing with various groups of people. Art is used with persons with
Alzheimer’s’ disease and other health issues. There are art programs in the
adult and juvenile criminal justice systems. Art has been used in therapy with
persons challenged with mental health diagnoses and persons with disabilities.
Art is used in other regions of the United States, as well as the world by
organizations positively impacting persons traumatized by earthquakes, war,
floods, tornadoes and other traumatic events. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">According to Gretchen Miller, Registered Board Certified Art
Therapist, “Art expression is a powerful way to safely contain and create
separation from the terrifying experience of trauma without the necessity of or
reliance on verbal language to share ones story”. This creative tool “can
become a visual voice that can help retrieve content from lower-functioning
parts of the brain where traumatic experiences live without words and can transform
into drawings on paper, molded into clay, painted onto a canvas and more”. Art
experiences “safely gives voice to and makes a survivor’s experience of
emotions, thoughts and memories visible when words are insufficient.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I recently attended the Housing First
Partners conference in Los Angeles, California, where persons who had
experienced homelessness used art as a tool for healing. Homelessness is
considered a traumatic event so it would stand to reason that art would benefit
persons with this experience. Men and women that participated in the Skid Row
Homeless Support Program in downtown Los Angeles made art items to sell and
earn income at the Housing First Partners conference. People who lived homeless
experiences were at the conference, share the use of art, poetry and music to
tell their stories and some had published their work. These individuals shared
their publications and work and how participating in art therapy helped them
heal and increase their self-esteem and self-worth. Others shared how being
able to make art helped them feel there was something they did well, something
they had control over and something that was theirs alone that no one could
take from them. One man shared that using poetry to express how he felt inside
was a positive way of getting all of the negative and fearful feelings out in a
harmless way versus in an angry or self-destructive way. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As part of our program group meetings at
Community LINC, I often offer artful experiences with our program participants.
Recently, I offered old keys, a painted canvas and other items for a collage.
The collage title for each participant was to be called, “The Key To My……”
Each participant was asked to fill the blank canvas with pictures,
words and symbols reflecting on the title. When the women’s group members
finished their collages they shared hopes, dreams, goals, regrets and lessons
learned through their collages. They were able to imagine a new life and depict
this in their collages which in turn helped them to identify their goals and
therefore steps needed to reach the goals. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We often use ‘art as a tool for healing’
experiences in our program groups often. Each time, I hear our residents say
how helpful the experience was for increasing their awareness and insight, as
well as how it helped them connect to their hopes and dreams. Pictures of some
of the finished collages were posted on our Facebook because the group members
felt proud of what they produced and they wanted to share them with others. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-85809573892908509522016-04-22T11:13:00.001-05:002016-04-22T11:13:16.784-05:00Fresh Start<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>By Holly Gardner, Intake Specialist</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m always amazed at the many community supports intertwined
with the day-to-day business we do at Community LINC and how we strive to fill
the voids the best we can while we serve our families. This winter I was
privileged to meet Michelle at Giving the Basics and coordinate services so we
could have onsite, personal care items for our families. This includes
shampoo, body wash, feminine necessities and many other products. While
speaking with Michelle it was hard to imagine living without these items. Her
enthusiasm was contagious as she spoke of the void families often experienced
while homeless and how her agency was determined to fill that void by
partnering with social service agencies like ours. Yes, families have
access to food pantries and there are agencies that provide clothing but it
could be hit and miss when it comes to providing basic self-care needs. This
could be stressful and embarrassing for people to even ask for such items.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is a lot of work to do in a rapid re-housing program. Employment
is a priority and many of the day-to-day tasks our families have on their plate
require meeting new people and trying to make the best impressions they
can. We call it building relationships, building bridges back to
self-sufficiency – a very important aspect of our program. Sometimes our
families struggle with self- care as it has been off their priority list as
they are busy trying to survive the day-to-day. At Community LINC we
encourage our families to put some focus back on self-care and encourage them
to look and feel their best on their journey. What a beautiful way to offer
dignity and respect in a very tangible way by connecting a person with “the
basics” again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the Giving the Basics brochure a striking picture of a
man’s profile sitting in a chair wearing soiled clothing, you can obviously
tell he makes a living with his hands. The caption says, “I can’t get a job
because I’m dirty.” Beneath that reads, “Did you know food stamps don’t
cover the basics, like shampoo or laundry soap? Please donate
generously-everyone deserves a fresh start.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To better assist our families we have an area set up in our
donation basement, designated just for this so parents can look over the items and
pick what they would like to have. The positivity I see and feel is sometimes
overwhelming and I have to wonder if a person feels better stepping out their
door to take care of business with a little less worry they may just land that
next job, build new relationships, secure housing for their children. We
thank our partnering agencies for helping us provide the basics, including
these very simple yet profoundly life affirming dignity items. And yes it takes
all these small things to make a fresh start. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-85683716316343225892016-03-18T12:03:00.004-05:002016-03-18T12:07:24.442-05:00For the Sake of the Twins<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By Employment Job
Coach Constance Taylor</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0in;">Several months had
gone by and I could see the disappointment in Briana’s face each time she entered
the computer lab. She had gone to interview after interview expecting a door to
open and yet, still no job. I didn’t want her to lose hope and so I decided to send
her to a training class with an internship attached. She was excited at the
opportunity. Briana attended the orientation and learned that a company she had
applied to work for was having a hiring fair in the same building in the next
few days. She did some networking, scheduled an interview at the same job fair,
and was hired a few days later. Although it was not the opportunity she was
expecting to follow, Briana was thrilled about the quick turnaround. </span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Briana is not
unaccustomed to unexpected change. She told
me what it was like to have two children born at the same time. One boy and one
girl. This meant she had to budget to buy two of everything. On top of that, one
child was quite ill growing up, so Briana had seen some difficult days. Her mom
passed away two short years ago from cancer and today her children’s dad is suffering
from the same disease. She has had to fight to move forward for the sake of the
twins on many occasions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is always
impressive when parents strive for the sake of their children. Kids really do
make the world go around. Now that the twins are older, Briana looks for the
best. She has started her new position and is searching for housing. Her life has
become different for the sake of the twins. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-50630583480649715582016-03-04T12:11:00.002-06:002016-03-07T09:34:40.511-06:00Healthy Lifestyle Groups Matter<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By Griselda Williams,
Mental Wellness Services Manager</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Recently, I was asked by a coworker if I felt the Healthy
Lifestyles groups should continue. The Tuesday/Thursday evening groups have
been held for many years and we wondered if the current process was useful. I replied,
“Yes” we need to continue the groups. When asked what the contribution was, I
remarked that education, support, connection to community resources and
relationship building are the greatest benefits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The group meetings are a good time to share information
with our Interim Housing residents. We have invited numerous people from
different agencies to visit our group meetings. For example:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Harvester’s staff share nutrition information and sign
residents up for food stamps/the SNAP program.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">University of Missouri-Extension staff also provide
nutrition classes for adults and teens. The instructor is a single mother and
when she speaks to our single mother residents, they listen.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Habitat for Humanity staff share how our residents can
become homeowners someday.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Staff from the Kansas City Care Clinic educate residents on
the importance of finding a medical home at their clinic, even if they don’t
have health insurance.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The KC Care Staff also educate residents on the new
Affordable Care Act insurance program and the consequence of not having
insurance when they file 2017 taxes. The staff also help residents enroll in
the ACA since most adults have no insurance when they enter our program.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">One guest educated our women’s group participants on breast
cancer awareness and testing. This was timely as one of our residents tested
positive for stage 3 breast cancer and was able to engage with this support as
she began treatment.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Peers from the RESPECT Institute through the Missouri
Department of Mental Health with experience in mental health issues, substance
abuse, homelessness and other challenges visit on a regular basis. They share
personal stories about how engaging in needed mental health services and
supports helped turn their lives around. They also encourage residents to
engage in needed supports for their challenges. Given that the peers have gone
through the same things our residents have or are currently going through, our
residents listen to their advice.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We have numerous other guests from various agencies and
organizations, all of whom volunteer their time to speak to our adult groups. These
relationships can continue for our residents after they move on to permanent
housing within the community.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While we have many community guests, we also try to address
issues in-house, with a focus on topics that meet our resident’s needs. </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We discuss numerous topics, among them:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Setting boundaries and developing and maintaining healthy
relationships</span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Solution-finding and goal setting tools</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Coping tools for stress management and
managing depression and anxiety</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Parent As Role Models, Helping One’s Child
After a Trauma (homelessness is considered a traumatic event for children) and other
parenting topics</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes we watch movies for inspiration. Recently, when
we watched a movie, the women decided to bring items for a pot luck. Some baked
cupcakes, some brought punch and others made dip for chips and soup. The ladies
watched the movie and discussed it while they celebrated positive relationships
with one another and the “village” like environment we often see with residents
at Community LINC.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When the residents come together for program group meetings
they often share resources, give support and build positive relationships with
other residents. Just this week, one woman shared that her place of employment
is hiring for part-time weekend staff. Another resident shared a childcare
resource with a woman who just moved into our program. There are some adult
residents who remain friends once they move to permanent housing. One woman
shared, “we are all in this together” and she has given a great deal of support
to the other single mothers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I could go on and on about the benefits of keeping the
Healthy Lifestyles groups because I see so many positives that come out of these
meetings. So, if anyone were to ask me if we need to continue the meetings, all
I have to say is, “You bet, because Healthy Lifestyle Groups matter!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-87737064877580950592016-02-17T11:15:00.000-06:002016-02-17T11:16:02.512-06:00There’s No Place Like Home<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>By Laura Haskell, Community LINC Volunteer</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-dg5XyYVaLGLaCHabrN6yyvNUPkRqmYkQfX7z6Km1BPvkJ6sZt1jr3AlQTSZ3sYDAz6ceuhn-FSGP2cMXeHMgZIuZWDN71VZNIc2-CZ2dvcBIvcsOtIDmOTRy8619bQ7QdrrvMLRvPY/s1600/10633986_10205861709842439_1659512630894440555_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-dg5XyYVaLGLaCHabrN6yyvNUPkRqmYkQfX7z6Km1BPvkJ6sZt1jr3AlQTSZ3sYDAz6ceuhn-FSGP2cMXeHMgZIuZWDN71VZNIc2-CZ2dvcBIvcsOtIDmOTRy8619bQ7QdrrvMLRvPY/s320/10633986_10205861709842439_1659512630894440555_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Community LINC provides that stability that so many homeless families crave. </span></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Close your eyes, tap your heels together
three times and think to yourself, there’s no place like home!”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How simple life would be if we could all
click our heels together and magically appear in our homes. Unfortunately, not
everyone in Kansas City has a place of their own to call home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On <b>February
17<sup>th</sup></b>, you have the chance to give families in Kansas City the building
blocks to make a place of their own home. We are launching the <b>Homes Matter</b>
campaign for the first time at Community LINC. During this single day you can
help us reach our goal of raising $25,000. A gift can provide bedding, kitchen
and bath fundamentals for the families we serve. Together we can make a
difference in the community and start hundreds of homeless on their journey to
self-sufficiency. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><i>S</i></span>pread the word about our
<b>Homes Matter</b> campaign by sharing our story and inviting your friends and family
to participate! <span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Help give KC families the basics: </span><a href="http://bit.ly/1KctGo7" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">bit.ly/1KctGo7</a><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> <b>#HomesMatter</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-20490760741806406782016-02-12T11:30:00.003-06:002016-02-12T11:31:39.716-06:00Community Matters<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By Tiffani Kintchen, Special Events Manager</span></i></div>
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<em><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></em></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I deeply believe in Community LINCs mission to break the
cycle of homelessness for children and families by helping them build lives of
hope, stability, and greater self-sufficiency. We can all make a difference by
working together, and I am blessed to be part of a community of churches,
businesses, and individuals who pull together to help families in crisis.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As the Special Events Manager,
my job isn’t working hands on with the children and families who come to
Community LINC. My role is generate the
funds needed to sustain our programs and services. It’s through the generosity of our donors
that has brought light back into the lives of so many families. While the staff and volunteers at Community
LINC dedicate their energies to creating opportunities for each family to
achieve stability and self-sufficiency, it is the individuals, churches,
businesses and organization in our community who have truly cared to break the
cycle of homelessness amongst us.
Without the support of our community, none of the life-changing
transformations would have been possible.
On their behalf, I thank you! You
are literally changing the lives of families.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Your support made it
possible. As I begin to look forward to
our annual Rent Party fundraising event, I am once again excited about the
anticipated always-generous response by our community to support the families
at Community LINC. While it is true we
are blessed beyond measure by how the community partners with us, I find the
most exciting part to be the gathering of friends, new and old. Nothing makes us happier than to introduce
new friends to the joy of helping homeless families find hope again and to
reacquaint ourselves with those already standing alongside us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The best part about my
job at Community is knowing that the funds we raise will provide children and
their family a safe and stable place to call home. We will provide them a firm foundation from
which to launch as they work to find permanent housing, increase their job
skills and employment, and improve their financial stability. Lives are being changed here at Community
LINC, and we thank you – OUR COMMUNITY for your part in that. The power of our
community to generate change is formidable.
Together we have brought hope and stability into the lives of families.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-82928523489812691262016-02-05T10:14:00.000-06:002016-02-05T10:19:42.678-06:00Every Hour Counts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY09tMIk01cTjCNqhnZQZr7JIOeSxJvJ8nWp8bassQbT6HIOQ0_dAQot5BuwmpWf3MMVTajHUZkpUhfvKjL4_597ELysduE_p0Y-tMkuqZgkYJY086tWWyYHk7VVHFEDw7b_8TJeGHnU/s1600/Volunteer+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY09tMIk01cTjCNqhnZQZr7JIOeSxJvJ8nWp8bassQbT6HIOQ0_dAQot5BuwmpWf3MMVTajHUZkpUhfvKjL4_597ELysduE_p0Y-tMkuqZgkYJY086tWWyYHk7VVHFEDw7b_8TJeGHnU/s320/Volunteer+Picture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By Daniel
Barber, Volunteer Manager</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The community that
supports Community LINC is a very generous one!
2015 was filled with fantastic acts of kindness and dedication from our
volunteers. These volunteers are
essential to Community LINC’s ability to function and impact poverty. Often times, individual volunteers can
overlook or forget about the importance of their time. But we know every hour counts!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2015
in Review<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In 2015, Community LINC
volunteers donated <b>5,427</b> recorded
hours. That time is estimated to be a
$135,435 value to Community LINC.<span style="color: red;"> </span>Allow me a moment to recognize just a
few highlights of the overall contributions of our volunteers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Apartment
Preparations:</b> Our volunteers spent <b>332 hours</b> cleaning, re-organizing and decorating apartments to make
them feel like a place our residents can call “home”. On average, each apartments takes about 10 –
12 volunteer hours to get ready for the next family. Without volunteers, that work would have to be
done by employees. Which would mean: 1) Less time for employees typical duties
(maintenance, or resident interactions), or 2) Community LINC would have to
hire more employees to handle the duties, and 3) Probably most importantly, apartment
prep would take longer, and families would have to wait longer to move in. <span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Budgeting</b>: Last year, our budgeters clocked <b>233 budgeting hours</b>. That is time spent, individually, with
residents and aftercare participants, helping them achieve their financial goals
and attain stability. Budget counseling
is a <b><u>big</u></b> reason 93% of our
program graduates from 2008-2013 have not returned to homelessness in the last
seven years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Maintenance</b>: Our buildings are over 100 years
old. We have all the maintenance duties any
other apartment complex would have, on top of the impressive age of our
buildings. As you can imagine, every
single one of the <b>1,387 hours</b>
donated to maintenance was greatly needed.
Without these dedicated volunteers, our facility would not look nearly
as nice and would be very far behind on routine maintenance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Youth
/ Children</b>: Throughout
2015, our volunteers spent <b>696 hours</b>
with the children of Community LINC. The
impact of homelessness on a child can be devastating; emotionally and developmentally. The time our volunteers spent caring for and
supporting these children has greatly impacted and improved each student’s
ability to deal with their stressful circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Special
Events</b>: The Rent
Party is a fantastic highlight of the year for Community LINC. It is also responsible for one-third of our
operating budget! To pull off such a fantastic evening of entertainment, it takes
lots of time and preparation - <b>258</b> <b>volunteer</b> <b>hours</b> to be exact!
Volunteers are crucial for acquiring donations for the auction, as well
as to make sure the event runs smoothly.
Without all of these hours, the Rent Party could not be as successful as
it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These are just a few
highlights of the overall impact our volunteers make at Community LINC. <i>Each</i>
hour donated means we can do a better job at ending homelessness, impacting
poverty and removing barriers to self-sufficiency for the families we
serve. The volunteers at Community LINC
clearly understand just how much community matters. We appreciate every one of
our volunteers and every hour donated!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140894000877284493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5531092880052921062.post-89685605293608679892016-01-22T11:11:00.003-06:002016-01-25T13:11:37.191-06:00No Turning Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEqgew8xbG5FGG8IfJISln60WHKqgKKrP7j4ndjYLBmcHWFbGKNP9ePu0FDrYg6tfPFnaVmWNeUWreqClW7CeaDi9lkqIvOKvI0vk7XTgLUlhY7_ndNKz33sU6a1iU_PpbbB4GaFJcJk/s1600/No+Turning+Back.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEqgew8xbG5FGG8IfJISln60WHKqgKKrP7j4ndjYLBmcHWFbGKNP9ePu0FDrYg6tfPFnaVmWNeUWreqClW7CeaDi9lkqIvOKvI0vk7XTgLUlhY7_ndNKz33sU6a1iU_PpbbB4GaFJcJk/s320/No+Turning+Back.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">B</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">y
Employment Service Manager, Constance Taylor</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Often
times our participants lack vision and a genuine desire to reach for their
dreams to achieve and excel. They cannot always believe they deserve a better
paying job with benefits working within a highly committed and profess</span>ional team.
One of my chief goals is to exercise coaching tools that propel our
participants beyond what they can imagine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After
several years of verbal abuse with her current employer, Tonya was suspended
for two weeks when she finally expressed her concerns of how she was being
treated to higher management. While rehearsing the details of the event she realized
this may be a good time to weigh her options. After five years of committed service
with the existing company, the thought of pursuing another career was a little frightening.
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She
decided to put in some applications and see what happens. Her first application
was for an office position as a receptionist. To her surprise she was contacted
for an interview within three days. She was offered the position earning more
money with an extensive benefit package. Community LINC’s employment services
program was able to provide her with donated clothing perfect for the new job. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She
is on her way to a brand new job and life. Her new employer plans to train her on
other job functions which will also strengthen her ability to learn new skills
and provide the tools needs to expand her new career path. What an awesome turn
around at a time that seemed like things were about to crumble. No turning back
now only soaring ahead at a brand new future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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