Helen’s Project was founded in 2009 by a group of people who wanted to see changes in the lives of those struggling with addiction. The demographics helped include ex-offenders with drug-related charges and anyone who is struggling with limited financial resources.
Helen’s Project knows it can be difficult for anyone struggling with addiction to get back into society. The stigma around them may prevent them from getting a job or having a future because of their drug convictions.
Anyone can fall victim to substance abuse. Helen’s Project helps single moms who turned to drugs, adolescents with a rough upbringing, and veterans struggling with PTSD. People can turn to drugs for a multitude of different reasons. Some of those listed on the site are complex health diagnoses, the incarceration of a loved one, and family changes, among others.
Helen’s Project works side by side with larger organizations like Child Protective Services (CPS), healthcare providers, and more. These partner organizations help get Helen’s Project’s name out there and gain more people’s attention for the cause.
Law enforcement is also closely involved to assure the safety of everyone involved. Helen’s Project has many success stories of clients going on to succeed in their career and personal ventures. They show to be better equipped to take care of themselves, as demonstrated by their reduced need for emergency services.
The programs offered at Helen’s Project are S.A.F.E., Bright Kids, H.O.P.E., and Changes.
S.A.F.E. stands for Safe Affordable Living For Everyone. “SAFE is a case management and stabilization program that provides emergency rental assistance, counseling, peer support, and transportation services to individuals and families. S.A.F.E. targets clients with immediate needs and limited financial means […] The program also helps ‘high utilizers’ – individuals who frequent hospitals for food and shelter. The primary goal of the program is to improve the livelihoods of individuals and families by removing immediate barriers to care and self-sufficiency.”
The S.A.F.E. Program offers case management, community education, and street outreach. They help people in need to get the basics of finding a new house, such as landlord referrals and help with food stamps.
They supply the basics to help a client or family of clients to begin their homeowning journey and learn to be self-sufficient.
The Bright Kids Program comprises Bright Kids Mini, Bright Kids Junior, and Bright Kids Youth. Bright Kids Mini is for children aged seven to ten, Bright Kids Junior is for ages eleven to thirteen, and Bright Kids Youth is for teenagers ages thirteen to seventeen.
All of the programs work with different age groups to help foster friendship among members and build social skills.
H.O.P.E. stands for “Hold On, Pain Ends.” It is a support and resource group for those who have suffered from domestic abusers, stalkers, human traffickers, or other criminals. It encourages healthy healing and advocates for better awareness.
Changes helps people with criminal backgrounds or who struggle with substance abuse. This program helps clients find a job and make a stable income to turn their life around.
More information can be found on their website: https://www.hlproject.org/