Effectiveness and Results
Implementing our mission of caring for the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless and disadvantaged in Philadelphia requires constant evaluation and planning. Although we have been caring for the homeless since 1878, we are always seeking ways to improve our services and outcomes.
Organizational Goals
1. Establish a furniture bank
SBRM desires to create a furniture bank that will provide resources for our clients and enable families and individuals to live more independently. Persons in need will be able to attain home furnishings if they are referred by a partnering agency. The furniture will come through donations from wholesalers and individuals.
To meet this goal, a steering committee with individuals from other community organizations has been formed. We are using the “Furniture Bank Start-up Manual” from the National Furniture Bank Association as a model for our effort. We are also currently working to build an alliance of organizations and to identify funding opportunities.
In order to implement our goal, we will need to finalize a business plan, secure funding, purchase a facility, and build a volunteer work force.
2. Provide more transitional housing
Additional transitional housing will be used for men who complete the requirements of our year-long residential recovery program. This arrangement will allow men to continue their relationship with a case manager while transitioning into greater responsibility for their daily needs.
To accomplish this goal, we will need to purchase and rehabilitate houses. Some of our program men will learn valuable skills during the process of renovating houses.
3. Upgrade food services and training
In order to provide the highest level of service to our guests, we have enlisted volunteer chefs from local caterers and universities to evaluate our current program and provide recommendations. We also plan to take advantage of free culinary training programs offered through Philadelphia OIC. Donations of fresh produce, dairy products, meat and poultry are necessary to improve the quality of food that we offer.
4. Establish medical clinic
To meet the basic medical needs of our homeless clients, SBRM is currently developing a medical clinic. A room within our current facility has already been designated, and it is presently being renovated to meet the needs of a clinic. Volunteer doctors are also in place. They will serve regularly and recruit other medical professionals.
Program Goals
Men who participate in our year-long recovery program have a clear set of goals and expectations. Overall, the goal is to return men to society as self-sufficient and productive citizens. The effectiveness of the program can be measured by how many outcome indicators are achieved by individuals.
Our men’s recovery program is currently in a stage of redevelopment and growth. The recent renovation of our Center City facility included the fourth floor, which houses our recovery program participants. The updated environment is cleaner, more functional, and more welcoming.
Clayton Parks joined the Mission staff in the fall of 2009 as the Director of Men’s Ministry. Clay’s education and experience working with Seattle’s homeless population have already helped him to evaluate our existing program. Since joining our staff, Clay has visited other organizations with similar programs and researched best practices.
We are currently using the following four-phase program, which is still open for improvements.
Genesis (1st month)
- Given paperback Bible
- Begin full class schedule and GED preparation if necessary
- Start and complete SBRM Lesson #1
- Evaluation by chaplain staff at the end of 30 days. Advance to next phase if chaplains make recommendation.
- Commencement gift: Yellow Badge.
New Hope (2nd and 3rd months)
- Start and complete SBRM Lesson #2
- Start and complete SBRM Lesson #3
- Evaluation by chaplain staff at the end of 60 days. Advance to next phase if chaplains make recommendation.
- Commencement gift: Hardback Bible
Power For Living (4th through 8th months)
- Begin working on ID, drivers license and any necessary documents or paperwork.
- At the end of the 7th month person can fill out application for graduation commencement.
- Evaluation by chaplain staff at the end of 8th month. Only then with the recommendation of chaplains will person be moved to the work/school phase.
- Commencement gift: Bible Concordance and NIV Study Bible
Work/School Phase
- Upon Case Manager’s consent, after 8 months person can begin attending school or to begin employment.
- After 11 months person is to fill out application for graduation to Program Director where he will review if requirements are met:
- 3 Bible studies completed
- Resume built
- Salvation scriptures memorization
- Tentative after graduation plan
- Church sponsorship
- GED/Diploma obtained
After 12 months in the program, person can participate in the graduation ceremony.
- Upon graduation, person has a 90 day period to transition out of SBRM facilities
- Quarterly check-ins with SBRM personnel are recommended after leaving our facility
Outcome Indicators
SBRM uses a software program to track the progress of clients throughout their time in our program. The key measurements include:
- Gainfully employed or actively involved in continuing education
- Free of primary life-controlling issues
- Secured stabilized housing
- Achieving financial stability
Future Program Growth
We are currently working to establish a mentoring program, which will supplement case management by our chaplains. Mentors are intended to provide our program residents with a friend who can come alongside them and be a support and encouragement. In order for this program to be successful, we will need a large number of volunteers. Key volunteers have already been recruited, who are helping us to find additional mentors.
Results
SBRM publishes an annual report to inform donors of the impact their donations make.
