From the August 2011 edition of Chronicles

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St. Patrick Center this year is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Independent Living Skills. The housing program was created in 1986 to educate parents of families who reside in St. Louis emergency shelters, transitional housing or on city streets. Today, more than 200 individuals a year gain essential skills necessary for independent living.

Certified by Missouri’s Division of Family Services and recognized by the National Alliance to End Homelessness as a national model, Independent Living Skills is provided on-site at St. Patrick Center and instructors tailor the program to meet specific needs. John Fallah, Education Coordinator and long-time Living Skills instructor, says students come with many different issues and are unsure of what to expect. “They soon find out that completing the program will not be easy,” notes John. “However, once graduation day arrives, they are incredibly proud of their accomplishment. In fact, one graduate recently said she had never graduated from anything in her life.”

Living Skills lasts for five weeks in the classroom and clients may miss only three classes. The curriculum is divided into parenting and life skills; topics include family roles, child stress management, balancing work and family, effective communication and homelessness prevention through money management. Living Skills also has an ABE/GED component to further enhance students’ future goals. On-going case management is provided for a year after graduation.

Denisha Acon, recent Living Skills graduate, credits the program for motivating her to want to succeed. “We were taught in the Living Skills program about life… that you’re going to have your ups and downs, but to keep pushing,” she says. “Since graduation, I found a job and an apartment and things are going great. I feel determined, motivated and know I’m on my way to success.”

For more information about Independent Living Skills, visit the housing programs page on our website: www.stpatrickcenter.org.