Collaboration with the Vanderburgh County Step Ahead Council augments the delivery of services to homeless teens by providing needed medical, educational, financial, and social services. The project provides tutorial and enrichment services to homeless children and youth. Through collaboration with area shelters, Title I, area churches, YWCA, and other social service agencies, social and health issues of homeless children, youth, and their parents are assessed and treated. The newsletter, The Homeless Assistance Program Newsletter is written and circulated monthly to persons concerned about homelessness in the Fort Wayne areas. During this experience, homeless children are involved in thematic, hands-on integrated learning activities, field trips, and life experiences.
Transportation is provided with breakfast and a snack served daily.
During the school year, these children receive support through counseling, direct instruction, and remediation in academic content areas. Student enrollment and attendance is facilitated by the Holy Family Shelter Coordinator who serves as the McKinney program liaison between the school and the shelter to expedite school transfers and enrollment of transitional or homeless students. Enrichment summer experiences are provided for students which include art, music, physical activities, writing projects, and field trips to museums, sporting events to develop appropriate social skills. A physical education program for children and their parents is conducted on Saturdays at the Indianapolis Public School gymnasium to cultivate good health, reduce stress, and strengthen family relationships. The case coordinator communicates with the child's home school and acts as liaison in mobilizing community services for homeless children and their families.