CaringWorks was created to help low-income individuals and families improve their quality of life.

Because no two people are exactly alike, CaringWorks applies different combinations of services to find the right one for each client.

Some clients have great difficulty escaping homelessness. Disability, addiction, mental illness or some combination of all three have led them to a life on the streets.

These are the hardest cases. For these individuals, our first aim is to achieve stability. CaringWorks becomes their case manager, helping them surmount obstacles and take the first steps toward positive change.

The related services we deliver, often with partner organizations and healthcare providers, include:

Crisis intervention and emergency assistance paying for food, medicine, transportation and rent/utilities
Advice and assistance with personal hygiene and household maintenance
Referrals and aid to receive medical care
Professional and peer counseling to help manager recovery from mental illness or addiction
Advocacy needed to receive benefits and services from agencies and other organizations

Others who receive help from CaringWorks may be further along on their journey to greater self-sufficiency. For these clients, we provide a combination of the following:

Health and nutrition information, particularly for prevention purposes
Advice and training on household budgeting, parenting and other life skills
Computer literacy, GED preparation, job interviewing and other skills to increase employability
After-school enrichment for children through Learning Link. This program resembles the Boys & Girls Club in that it builds social competencies, self esteem and character in youth, as well as provides academic assistance and activities. Read a story about Learning Link >

Still other CaringWorks clients have high self-sufficiency, but they benefit from activities that foster community. Their independence is further strengthened through their connections to each other and to their community.

For these clients, CaringWorks provides workshops on personal finance and home ownership. Or we facilitate community socials, book clubs, field trips to cultural and sporting events and other connecting activities. We also develop the leadership abilities and civic engagement of a few people, so that they are prepared to form and participate in resident associations at their properties or in other community organizations.