Icon Turning Point is a program designed to assist single homeless young adults ages (18-24) and homeless young adult families. This program provides support housing first with comprehensive permanent housing, individualized, on-going case management, life skills and counseling support services to assist these young adults to make the transition from homeless to self-sufficiency and independence.
Participants in this program are places in scattered site apartments in the Sate of Michigan area. They are provided with resources to public aid, SSI benefits, employment readiness services, community resources, child care, transportation and outreach.
Each participant is assigned a case manager and therapist and works with a nurse and a supplemental case manager. Each participant is given a bus pass, and is expected to be working within 90 days from enrollment. Participants quickly begin to contribute to their own maintenance by, for example, paying a portion of their rent within the first six months. The goal of this program is for the participant to be self sufficient within months.
Description of Services
Case Management Services-The case manager works with other program staff (program supervisor, nurse, housing coordinator, therapist, employment assistance staff from Turning Point Program) to coordinate housing, life skills, employment readiness, and other supportive needs for the individual client.
Nursing and Nutritional Services-The on staff nurse conducts home visits as needed for each participant. The nurse provides education on site and in the apartment on nutrition and healthy eating. The nurse conducts health assessments and works with the participants to access appropriate medical care, prevention services and dental care as well as well baby care for families with young children.
Housing Coordinator-The housing coordinator makes random visits to the apartment and works with the clients on maintaining their apartments. As necessary, the Case Manager and Housing Coordinator also intervene on behalf of clients in case of difficulties between landlords and the participants.
Therapy Services-All participants will receive 6 weekly therapeutic counseling sessions to determine whether there is a need for more intensive counseling services. A master’s level clinical therapist provides counseling.
Life Skills Education-Participants work closely with their case manager on life skills during weekly visits to the apartments. Those clients who are in need of more intensive support based life skills are referred to an 8 week life skills education course offered at Kimberly Psychological Services.
Employment Assistance-Within 30 days of the initial service plan, all program participants needing intensive employment readiness services are referred to a job training program within Turning Point or the community. A coordinated individualized employment plan is developed that is reflective of the existing case management services provided. Additionally the Turning Point vocational psychologist conducts assessments to identify occupational and career interests, job skills and strengths.
Program Criteria
- Age 18-24
- Homeless or potentially homeless
- Need for ancillary services
- Individuals or families with two or fewer children
- IQ level at or above 65
- No major substance abuse history
- Not actively suicidal, homicidal and without a long history of mental illness
- Not using psychotropic medication that requires intensive monitoring
Please contact us if you are in need of services or would like to obtain more information.