We work one on one with individuals and families as they take steps toward economic stability. Many programs will refer to helping their participants reach “Self Sufficiency.” We are transitioning away from using this language because we recognize that no individual or family is an island. People need people. Instead, we want to provide families the resources that can support their efforts towards achieving economic stability and building natural community supports.
Each participant’s service plan is different and goals often include improving a housing situation, relationship building, finding employment, obtaining quality child care, managing budgets efficiently, and connecting with public benefits. We use a strengths-based approach when working with our participants, and see people as change agents instead of as victims of circumstances. Participants have the opportunity to grow by advocating for themselves and their families within their communities. This includes chances to meet with government officials about important topics such as the Cliff Effect.
All of the services listed below are available to our participants. If you are interested in these services, please contact us to make an appointment.
- Housing Stabilization
- Direct Financial Assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities, transportation, and medical expenses such as prescriptions
- Assistance with Essential items such as clothing, furniture and bicycles
- Assistance with Applying for Public Benefits
- Emergency Services
- Home Visitation — We visit participants at home to foster deeper understanding between SCCC and the people we serve.
- Financial & Economic Stability Workshops in partnership with Boulder County, Bridges Out of Poverty, Getting Ahead, and the Circles Campaign
- Job Search and Career Coaching in partnership with Susan Waters, MEd, NCC — Career Life Coach/Consultant
- English as a Second Language Classes in partnership with Intercambio
- Family Literacy Classes in partnership with Zonta EducateZ
- Legal Counseling in partnership with Faegre Baker Daniels LLP
- Re-entry support for people who are leaving the justice system
- Referrals to other agencies for further assistance as necessary
- Support groups and fun events
Also note that our Individual & Family Advocacy participants have access to our Nutrition & Healthy Living services, our Children’s Services, and all of our workshops and classes. We also have a listing of additional resources for IFA participants. For more information on public benefits — including links to applications — please visit the Public Benefits Page.
Our Participation in “Bridges Out of Poverty”
Bridges Out of Poverty is an initiative of Boulder County in which SCCC enthusiastically collaborates. Our Individual & Family Advocacy participants are involved in Getting Ahead and Circles, which are both pieces of the Bridges model:
Getting Ahead Workshops: We facilitate Getting Ahead workshops which allow participants to investigate their current situation, and create a plan for becoming more economically stable by building their resources and tapping into the support of their community. Getting Ahead encourages personal responsibility as a solution to economic instability. Read more about Getting Ahead.
Circles Campaign of Boulder County: Getting Ahead graduates have the opportunity to participate in Circles, the second phase of the Bridges Out of Poverty model. In Circles, Getting Ahead graduates become “Circle Leaders” and are connected with a circle of volunteer allies from the community who can assist them in continuing to work toward economic stability. Read more about Circles.