Housing

Gerard Place strives to improve the quality of their lives through a holistic approach by feeding their mind, body and soul.  Education, vocational training, life skill classes and counseling empower them, allowing these individuals to live a more self-sufficient life when they leave Gerard Place.  The after-care case manager works with discharged families for six months in their new apartment so that transitional issues are addressed.

Housing

Our housing unit is the primary location of a majority of Gerard Place's programs.  Residents benefit from a number of helpful amenities and services such as:

• A fully-furnished two bedroom apartment
• Security system
• Laundry facility
• Community and play area
• Housing assistance
• Case management services
• Life skills classes such as parenting, job readiness, money management, health & nutrition
• Referral/linkage to other community services and agencies
• Arts and crafts

To qualify:

• Contact Sasha Rodgers, (716) 897-9948 x 104 or srodgers@gerardplace.org.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be coming from a homeless shelter and/or living on the street.
• You must provide, in writing, verification that you are homeless.
• You must have custody of at least one child.
• You or your child must have a documented mental health disability. 
• You must have intake and orientation with the Senior Director of Services prior to admission.
• If you have an order of protection due to an abusive relationship, please bring it with you to the interview.
• You must provide the property manager and/or Gerard Place staff with necessary documents prior to admission.

Case Management

Gerard Place assigns a case manager to all families admitted into its program. Parents are required to meet with the case manager on a weekly basis for counseling and supportive services. Assessments, service plans and goals will be established with each parent. Through the service plan process, the case manager will assist with referrals for other resources in the community and will work with each individual to identify and overcome any barriers that may exist between him/her and their personal goals.

Activities/Events

Gerard Place offers a wide variety of activities throughout the year including an annual carnival in the summer, trips to local attractions such as the Buffalo Zoo and Beaver Meadows, and children’s birthday celebrations. Holidays are celebrated with special dinners.  In addition, the facility has a fitness room, community area and playground.  Tutoring and computer training are also offered.

Spirituality

The six-week Family Enrichment Program encourages relationship building, family planning and marriage.  It also includes spiritual instruction for children, appearances by motivational speakers, participation in prayer groups and Interfaith Celebration dinners.  This is not mandatory.

 

The After Care Program

The After Care program monitors and evaluates family members' efforts as they build toward self-sufficiency in the community, with the following:

• Initiation of services to families for up to six months after they have been discharged.
• The administration of assessments and the regular monitoring of each client's Goal Plan.
• Counseling support and referral/linkages to other community services and agencies.
• The establishment of a system of contact with all post-discharge clients (e.g. home visits, telephone or mail correspondence)
• Post-care and exit surveys
• Ongoing management of client files.