Family Strengthening Program

The FAMILY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM at St. Vincent’s Santa Barbara, is a drug- and alcohol-free, transitional housing program (up to 27 months), designed to assist low-income single mothers, with one or two children, five years old or younger, or pregnant with her first or second child (first child must be five years old or younger).

Learning and growing

Opened in 1996, St. Vincent’s FAMILY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM provides a safe place for single mothers and their children to live, learn and grow. In addition to parenting education classes and individual counseling, our services encourage independent living skills, inspire a healthy mind, body and spirit, and promote inner confidence and self-esteem.

Administered by caring, licensed professionals, the FAMILY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM is a supportive, communal environment where young women and their children are able to access the life-tools and services they need to become self-sufficient and thrive.

Eligibility

Single mothers with one or two children under age five (or pregnant with her first or second child) are eligible to apply to St. Vincent’s FAMILY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM; mother must be at least 18 years old, low income, and maintain at least 50 percent custody of her child(ren).

Children currently enrolled in St. Vincent’s FAMILY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM receive priority placement at the EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER. Read more about Early Childhood Education here.

St. Vincent’s provides

  • Transitional housing (up to 27 months) for single mothers with one or two children, five years old or younger.
  • Communal living in a supportive environment with other young mothers and children.
  • Weekly counseling with a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
  • Weekly case management meetings to help set and achieve goals.
  • Weekly parenting classes using evidence-based, positive reinforcement and discipline techniques to help grow happy, healthy children.
  • On-site parent coaching to support positive experiences and strong parent-child bonding.
  • Career, academic and credit counseling; legal support and services.
  • Priority-access to high-quality childcare at St. Vincent’s EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER.

To Apply

Participation Application

For information or to apply, please call St. Vincent’s FAMILY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM Director Florence Berger or fill out the form below.

Applications can also be picked up at the front desk of the administration building (4200 Calle Real), or we are happy to mail or email an application to prospective clients.

Florence A, Berger J.D.

Family Strengthening Program Director
805-683-6381, ext. 155
[email protected]

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