LegiStorm

Information

Organization's Own Description:

Now in its 19th year of service to the community, Beth El House (BEH) continues to thrive as a model transitional housing program for formerly homeless mothers and their children. Beth El House (BEH) is a program where these families are able to work toward self-sufficiency and confidence in three crucial areas of life: economic stability, emotional well-being, and interpersonal relationships. BEH provides individual family apartments and a nurturing, but structured environment, so that residents will be able to make the transition from homelessness to independent living with dignity.

In the course of up to two years, and a third year of after-care, BEH assists families with in-depth, individualized services designed to strengthen their potential for long term success. The BEH program is a safe haven from chaos for mothers and their children and provides the children with continuity in schooling or day care. By monitoring and evaluating progress, BEH identifies each family's needs and provides resources through referrals, community programs, and volunteer assistance. In addition to subsidized housing, each family receives customized assistance in areas such as: mental health, physical health, employment, financial management, education, nutrition, and family life skills. Program goals are targeted toward financial, economic and emotional well-being – areas associated with permanent family stability. Incentive awards of cash are granted upon successful completion of the program and transfer to independent living.

One of the hallmarks of our program is the success of the psycho-social services offered to our residents. The Resident Services and Selection Committee works hard at providing monthly Mothers’ Meetings that foster an environment of peer support, nutrition education, parenting skills, and stress management. In addition, each resident meets with a clinical therapist to resolve socio-emotional obstacles to family stability which often stunt education, parenting, finances, and both peer and intimate relationships. Each resident is evaluated regularly by the case manager and the Resident Selection Services Committee (RSSC).



Currently serving up to five families, the BEH program provides a safe, supportive and constructive environment. The supplemental support these families receive from professional staff and volunteer efforts is the cornerstone of their success. Beth El House is staffed by three part time employees: an executive director; a case manager; and a bookkeeper/administrative assistant. Governing and supporting the operations of our organization is a core group of volunteers that provide over 2,000 hours of volunteer time annually. These volunteers provide expertise and talent through various contributions of their time: Board of Directors; Resident Services and Selection Committee; committees on Fundraising, Financial Oversight, Communications and In-Kind Donations. Other areas of volunteering include the annual Phonathon, Walkathon, Holiday Giving Tree, and an annual Shabbat Service. Youth engagement in the issue of homelessness has increased. The Beth El Hebrew Religious School has become actively engaged in learning about homelessness and performing numerous fundraising events for BEH. In addition, we are beginning collaborations with the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization.

In the spirit of BEH’s mission, and in response to the current economic climate, the Board established an Emergency Services Fund to aid families who are at risk of becoming homeless. Families with children will be assisted with rent and mortgage assistance to prevent homelessness. In certain circumstances this assistance is on-going until the family’s financial crisis is resolved. This program is coordinated with Fairfax County’s Coordinated Services Planning for Human Services and the Fairfax County Police Department’s Victim Witness Program and other non-profits to avoid duplication of services and to ensure a streamlined effort of assistance.



We look with confidence toward BEH’s future. Our program continues to improve each year. Unfortunately, in difficult economic times, the needs of homeless families only increase. While we know that the near future will be challenging for fundraising, we will continue to work hard to find the resources to allow us to continue to support our mission – and the families that count on us. We are committed to the community around us and will work in partnership with others, so that we can deliver on our promise of “tikkun olam” – repairing the world.  read more

Subscribers to LegiStorm Pro see the full address information for Beth El House (Alexandria, Va.). Click here to see more LegiStorm Pro benefits and subscribe, or log in to your Pro account.