PROGRAMS
Pacific Lifeline is not an emergency shelter; it is a transitional home for women who were self-supporting and now find themselves in a crisis situation. The purpose of its program is to eliminate the threat of chronic homelessness for women and their children. Residents are encouraged to look at their stay as an opportunity to create a better future for themselves and their families. Unlike traditional shelters, Pacific Lifeline provides a holistic solution to the growing problem of chronic poverty and homelessness through a variety of practical and emotional support services which empower women and give them the skills they need to support themselves and their children. What distinguishes our program from others is our commitment to the long-term stability of the families we serve. Pacific Lifeline is making a difference in southern California by reducing the number of families needing welfare and shelter assistance.

In addition to food, housing, and personal necessities, the following support services are offered by Pacific Lifeline.

The Women's Program offers the tools needed to positively change the course of residents' lives. The program includes weekly case management (budget and career counseling, job and housing search support, referrals) and house meetings, tutoring (by volunteers), and monthly recreational and social activities. This program is successful, in part, because rather than pushing mothers to take any job, the Women's Program Manager helps each woman develop a plan to prepare for and obtain work that provides sufficient income to support her family, empowering her to take greater responsibility for her own well being as well as her child(ren)'s.

The Children's Program exists to improve the lives and well being of the children within Pacific Lifeline's care; the average age of resident children is five years old (age range: infant through 11 years). The goal is to provide a stable nurturing environment, giving each resident child the practical and emotional support he/she needs and deserves. The Children's Program Manager offers the children a weekly group activity that teaches life lessons and boosts self-esteem, ongoing support for schoolwork, monthly outings, and birthday parties, helping the children gain stability and a greater sense of themselves and their talents.

Counseling. The women and children receive weekly individual counseling from a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and MSW (Master of Social Work) Therapists. For the women, this provides emotional support and encouragement as they work through past issues that contributed to their homelessness and work toward their goals. The women also attend a weekly support group in which they learn effective parenting, conflict resolution skills, nutrition, and other skills needed for life in the shelter, the workplace, and future independent living. The goal of the children's counseling is to help the children absorb emotions and find ways to express fears and concerns in order to encourage emotional growth so they can reach their full potential and be more productive in school. The individual counselor also conducts attachment therapy with the mother and each of her children in order to heal and strengthen the bond between mother and child, foster effective family relationships, and aid the entire family in their transition into independent living.

Graduate Program. We are aware of the stress and potential for old behaviors to re-exert themselves when families leave the structured setting of Pacific Lifeline. Our Graduate Program enables families to draw upon the stability of the shelter and the encouragement offered by staff. The women and children often continue their individual counseling after graduating, a valuable source of support as they work at remaining self-sufficient. "Graduate Gabs," a newsletter in which all graduates can submit information, keeps them in touch with each other and the program. Also, graduates have access to donated food, clothing, personal necessities, and holiday gifts. To care for their immediate needs upon graduating, a local church puts together 'moving out' boxes for each family with items such as cleaning supplies, paper goods and food, and donors provide furniture and household items.