Threshold Project:Work to End Homelessness

04/18/23 Threshold Project 2

Presenters

Janell Humbles, PhD., LSW – Resource CoordinatorHomeless Initiative Program

Jane Wiles, Employment ConsultantAdult and child Center

Kay Wiles, MEd. – Housing Manager Homeless Initiative Program

04/18/23 Threshold Project 3

Who’s in the Audience

Mental Health ProvidersCase ManagersEmployment SpecialistAgency Supervisors/ManagersAgency Directors

04/18/23 Threshold Project 4

Background

One of five demonstration projects nationally.Funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor.Shelter Plus Care rental subsidy funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

04/18/23 Threshold Project 5

Goals

Participants secure and maintain competitive employmentParticipants secure and maintain housingSustainability of servicesSystems change

04/18/23 Threshold Project 6

Work is Recovery

“Recovery… means growing beyond the catastrophe of mental illness and developing new meaning and purpose in one’s life. It means taking charge of one’s life even if one cannot take complete charge of one’s symptoms.”

William A. Anthony, Ph.D.Excerpt from Psychology Rehabilitation Journal, 16

(4)

04/18/23 Threshold Project 7

Work is Recovery

Work provides: Purpose Structure Increased self-esteem New social networks Skill enhancement

04/18/23 Threshold Project 8

Engagement/Discovery

"The most significant predictor of treatment success is the ability [to provide] an empathetic, hopeful, continuous treatment relationship...”

-Dr. Kenneth Minkoff (2002)

04/18/23 Threshold Project 9

Strengths assessmentMotivational InterviewingStages of Readiness for ChangeHarm Reduction

Engagement/Discovery

04/18/23 Threshold Project 10

Collaboration Among Agencies

Co-location (= accessibility)FlexibilityCommunicationCommon outcome measuresShared responsibility

04/18/23 Threshold Project 11

Integrated Approach

Employment explored cooperatively with recovery planningCross training staff Employment staff “think” like case

managers Case managers “think” like

employment staff

Integrated service teams

04/18/23 Threshold Project 12

Know Your Client

Discovery/Building RapportSupported Employment Support Network

* Resource Coordinator* Therapist/Psychiatrist* Family* Church Members

04/18/23 Threshold Project 13

Employment Strategies

Customized Employment Employer negotiation Self-employment

Supported EmploymentSelf-directed job searchTraining

04/18/23 Threshold Project 14

Summary of Outcomes

Entered Employment rate: 85%

Highest Percentage Employed: 51%

Six-month retention: 28%

04/18/23 Threshold Project 15

Case Study

Edna