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...(continued from page 1) Maristella had heard of place in Park Slope, Brooklyn where young mothers-to-be could go for help. She went immediately to CHIPS' Frances Residency and received food, shelter and prenatal care she needed. Thanks to the Frances Residency Program many mothers in a position such as Maristella now have a better chance making it through this difficult period in their lives.
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The Frances Residency Program is a transitional home for nine prenatal and postnatal homeless women and their infants. The women can stay up to twelve months while they are working toward self-reliance and the acquisition of permanent housing.
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- Program: The residency program helps mothers become self-sufficient through meetings with staff focusing on training in maternal/ child health, career development and ongoing life skills . The Frances Residency coordinates with neighborhood social service agencies to secure permanent affordable housing, and explore opportunities for employment.
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- Accommodation: The residence has nine safe, clean and well-maintained units with kitchen and bathroom facilities. In addition, the building houses a clinic, an educational area, a common meeting/ recreational room and a counseling area.
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- Referrals: Women are referred form neighborhood agencies and from CHIPS soup kitchen. Referrals can be made by phone by calling (718) 855-8861. Women must meet the following criteria:
1) a single homeless mother in her last trimester of pregnancy
2) a single homeless mother in her last trimester of pregnancy with another child (up to two years old)
3) a single homeless postpartum mother with her newborn (up to three weeks old)
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- Requirements: All residents must be drug and alcohol free and be able to live and work in harmony with staff and other residents. Each woman must agree to abide by the policies and rules of the Francis Residency program.
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- Funding: Donations, grants, and in-kind contributions comprise the largest support for the program. If an individual is working she must contribute a portion of her pay towards her shelter costs.
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The Frances Residency Program is always in need of financial contributions and volunteers to keep the center going. Please contact the director, Sister Mary Maloney, for information on how you can help: (718) 237-2962.
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