Family Self Sufficiency

City of Springfield

Springfield Urban League

M.E.R.C.Y. Communities, Inc.

Illinois State Treasures: Our Own HOME

Feedback? Contact:

FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENCY

	What is it?
	A program established by the Springfield Housing Authority to promote economic self-sufficiency among residents.
	Mission:
	To empower people to take control of their lives by becoming independent, productive members of the community. Family Self-Sufficiency does not simply attack the symptoms of poverty; it tackles dependency on all fronts and replaces powerlessness with the opportunity for a better future.
	Goal:
	To assist families in becoming and remaining independent of government assistance.
	How can this program help?
	Earn your GED Earn an Associate and/or Bachelor degree Educational workshops and seminars On-the-job training Obtain a better job Own your own business	Scholarship opportunities Learn necessary job skills Job placement opportunities Obtain a job Own your own home Establish an escrow account

	Five-Years Five-Phases Toward Family Self-Sufficiency
	*Phase I - Personal Development & Assessment*
	Skill building Self Esteem Development	Assessment Exploration of Career and Educational Interests
	*Phase II - Development of Individual Action Plan*
	Negotiation of Action Plan Determination of Self Sufficiency Goal Activities & Milestones Developed Toward Accomplishing Goals	Identified Barriers and Desired Outcomes Continuous Follow-up and Referral
	*Phase III - Maintenance of Effort*
	Milestone Monitoring Stabilization of Families	Ongoing Support & Re-evaluation of Goals
	*Phase IV - Transition*
	Focus on Move From Welfare Assistance to INDEPENDENCE
	*Phase V - Follow-Up*
	Track Participants After They Have Completed the Family Self Sufficiency Program

Family Self Sufficiency Program Staff
Debra Hereford, Director of Housing Operations debra.hereford@sha1.org	(217) 753-5757 Ext. 218
Lisa Crites, FSS Coordinator l isa.crites@sha1.org	(217) 753-5757 Ext. 244
Mary L Sexton, FSS Specialist	(217) 753-5757 Ext. 251
Denise Vaughn, FSS Specialist	217) 753-5757 Ext. 212