EMPOWER Program Fact Sheet 1-12w - A New Leaf

EMPOWER PROGRAM FACT SHEET
WHAT: The EMPOWER Program is comprised of two components: 1) a DES licensed Group Home
for youth who have experienced abuse and/or neglect in their home and require a group
home setting for their safety and development and 2) a Transitional Living Program for
young adults which provides opportunity and tools to break the cycle of poverty and
violence in their lives, get on their feet and secure employment and/or education.
WHO:
The EMPOWER Group Home serves males age 12-17 who are dependants in the welfare
system. Referrals are made through Child Protective Services (CPS).
The EMPOWER Transitional Living Program services male and female 18-26 year-olds
who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness with an emphasis on youth who have
aged-out of the welfare system. Referrals are made through Child Protective Services
(CPS), community referral services and self-referral.
HOW:
The EMPOWER Group Home provides a caring and nurturing environment to all youth in
the program. The program maintains a structured setting providing 24-hour supervision,
behavior modification, life skill development and educational/employment support.
The EMPOWER Transitional Living Program provides a combination of affordable (or
subsidized) short-term transitional housing, basic needs, case management, and
independent living training for referred young adults who are working and/or obtaining
higher education or training. On a month to month basis for participant’s living in
independent apartments, rent payments may be subsidized.
WHERE: The EMPOWER Group Home is located in Mesa.
Young adult participants in the EMPOWER Transitional Living Program temporarily may
live in one of two “agency owned” homes in Mesa or in apartments across the Valley.
Independent Living Skills, support, and case management are provided at convenient
locations for the residents.
WHY:
Homeless youth are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population in Maricopa
County. Without support these young people face homelessness and poverty.
CONTACT: (480) 807-0056
A New Leaf: Helping Families…Changing Lives through Homeless and Domestic Violence Shelters, Youth and Community Programs.
Employment Opportunities: Human Resources (480) 464-7466, apply online.
Call (480) 969-4024 for reasonable accommodation on information, services and employment.
Hearing impaired call TDD (800) 367-8939.
www.TurnaNewLeaf.org
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Frequently Asked Questions for Transitional Living Program
1. How many people per year does Empower Transitional Living Program serve?
Over 100 young adults, ages 18-25, per year are helped to obtain housing and support services
through the EMPOWER Program.
2. a) How long are participants able to stay at the two “agency owned” EMPOWER houses if they
are working and attending higher education or training?
All participants are asked to sign a 6 month agreement (while paying an affordable rent)… and
with program compliance and adequate funding in place, they can stay for up to 2 years.
b) How long are participants able to be assisted with case-management and subsidized rents
when they live in independent apartments and are working and attending higher education or
training?
These young adults sign six month leases for their apartments; subsidized rents typically range
from one to three months with case management and independent living skills services ranging up
to two years. All participants’ assistance is determined month-to-month depending on program
compliance and adequate funding.
3. How are participants referred to EMPOWER?
Most participants seek out help from EMPOWER on an individual basis. Others are referred from
caseworkers, Community Information and Referral, churches, and community partners.
4. How can I help?
The EMPOWER Program is in need of financial support to assist these young adults moving into
their own apartments. Volunteer mentors are also needed to provide support, tutoring, and
encouragement to the participants.
For more information regarding how you can help this program through volunteering
or donating, or to take a tour, contact the Development Office (480) 464-4648.
Programs are funded in part by city, state and federal government entities including but not limited to AZ Dept. of Economic Security, Ofc. of Comm.
Partnerships & Innovative Practices Homeless Program. Points of view are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or
policies of the Dept. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the policy of A New Leaf to make reasonable accommodations for persons with
disabilities to allow them to take part or have access to its programs, services or activities. Individuals with disabilities, who need accommodation,
including auxiliary aids for effective communication such as sign language interpreters or enlarged print materials, are invited to make their needs and
preferences known to A New Leaf. Reasonable accommodation on information, services and employment 480-464-7466. EOE. TDD 1-800-367-8939.
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