After completing my interviews, I was able to speak to the program manager and ask a few questions that I had in mind. I was able to ask my first question which was asking what the purpose of this non-profit organization is. The program manager had explained to me that For Kids is a non-profit organization that is trying to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness for children and families. Some way that’s they are able to do this, is by providing housing services. These housing services provide services by starting out the process by using the housing crisis hotline. Using this hotline, it provides a referred shelter that the families can go through. Withing this process, they are given the help with life skills training, job coaching, and also mental health services.

The different types of housing that is provided is the rapid housing, emergency housing, and supportive housing. Rapid housing is based in giving housing as soon as possible, versus the emergency housing which is giving the resources that they need to recover from any situations that they need help with. Supportive housing is based off the families that may have a member that is disabled. I had also interviewed one child that I will call child A because of privacy issues. Child A had provided me information that explained that she has only been in this non-profit organization for about 6 months now. She had explained that she enjoys having the confirmation of being able to still get her education, while her family is continuously finding a better solution for them. She explained that she has been struggling with math and her mother is not able to help her with her homework, so having the “beyond the bell” tutoring. She had explained that she enjoys the beyond the bell tutoring because they help her understand the homework in a way that she is able to understand. They do not try to drill anything in her head or get frustrated with her when she is still having a hard time, they are patient, and she enjoys that.

            Unfortunately, I was not able to speak to any families due to COVID-19. While having these two interviews, I had realized in how well our communities serve to those who do not have it so good. I have also realized that no matter the circumstances, families and individuals always find a way to provide and do what is right for them, no matter the circumstance. Having these non-profit organizations makes an improvement on people’s life. I have also concluded how important it is for a child to have their education. For Kids showed a big statement showing that education is one of their main priorities, besides finding housing. Not only do they serve for the children, but they also give service to the families, including the parents.

            While researching on this non-profit organization, I had noticed that there are no education programs for the single mothers that are a part of this campaign. For Kids focuses on providing services for families to have shelter, and to also give guidance for the youth to continue their education, but not for the mothers. I believe that researching and finding ways to help the mothers receive a benefit from the education program, then it will help advance their chance in finding a job. I believe that this will impact the program by helping it gain more leeway with the mothers and give them a sense that they have a chance too. This also impacts the services because as stated above, it can help the mother finish or continue their education and give them a better chance with a job. I believe this will be a positive influence, because this can help the mothers as well as the program with having this option available.

            Given the interviews that I had with the adolescent and the program manager and learning that they do not provide education for the single mothers, I would recommend finding a solution with helping them seek a degree or even finish their GED if they have not. I believe finding someone who is able and available to help them with this option, can give the parent more hope with not only with their child, but within themselves as well. I believe that the program should consider because as stated previously in the paragraph above, this would not only help the parent but also the program. Instead of feeling forced out of high school, and feeling like they need a degree or if they had dropped out, having the option to pick up where they left off can help them seek more help than what they were expecting from the For Kids Inc. This can give them more resources and more opportunities.

            A goal that I would like for the program to implement on, would have to be finding resources to give the availability to get a GED. I would start off by making any surveys, or when the parents come in for the assessment when first joining the program, I would ask about their education level, and depending on their answer also having a question in if they would like to continue their education. Giving that first option/gesture can make the parents feel that they matter and see that they are able to get help for this, if they decide to pursue that action.

The objectives I would want them to take action on, would first be finding who is able to become a part of the team and be there when a parent decides to further this action. Having this individual alongside with them will make it easier for the parent for if they have any questions about the process and what the pros and cons are. The next objective would be finding the necessary steps in completing the GED or also helping them reach the level of education they need in order to take the GED. Lastly, I would want them to take a test to see what their score is and what subject it is they may need improvement in.

My research articles support my findings by helping me have more of an understanding in my own research, and also what it is that the program can work or continue on. These findings can help improve the program and also the individuals that are involved as well. Having these impactful resources gives more knowledge about how the program can improve and continue to be a healthy program for those who come for help when necessary.

Resources

Housing. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2021, from https://www.forkids.org/housing

How to get A ged: A step-by-step process to earn a GED. (2018, December 18). Retrieved April 15, 2021, from https://www.personnelstaffing.com/how-to-get-a-ged-a-step-by-step-process-to-earn-a-ged/