 On
March 2006 we initiated the Generations Program, an 8-unit supervised
housing facility designed for young mothers between the ages
of 16 to 18 with children, who are aging out of foster care
placements and residential facilities. The facility is intended
to assist these young mothers in successfully transitioning
out of the child welfare system to become fully independent
adults. The program will be housed in Buck Hall, a newly constructed
residence hall on Northern Home's 6-acre campus in the Roxborough
section of Philadelphia.
The young mothers will be supported through life skills training,
academic services, individual and group therapy, vocational
planning, as well as participating in on-going parenting programs.
A resident's stay in the facility, which could range from
9 months to 2 years, will depend on their functioning level
at entry and their acclamation to the program. Upon discharge
from the program, Northern Home will continue to support the
residents in their transition to more independent housing.
Northern Home will offer child-care during the school day
to the young mothers admitted into the Generations I program.
This child-care will eliminate a huge barrier faced by these
young women and allow them the flexibility needed to focus
on their academic advancement and employment opportunities.
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