WholeLife
Our WholeLife program is unique in Houston, not only in concept and scope, but also in success rate. Nearly 86% of the women who participate in the program for six months or longer leave with income and a safe place to live. After completing WholeLife, a successfully employed graduate will add nearly $600,000 back into the local economy over the course of her lifetime.Our clients’ long-term success hinges on four measurable accomplishments: sustained emotional stability and sobriety, sustained employment, stable housing and a stable support network. Each key to success is cultivated through psychological and medical assessments, professional counseling and volunteer services, concentrated within the WholeLife program’s six area of wellness: emotional/mental, financial, physical, social, spiritual and vocational.
Emotional/Mental Wellness
Clients learn to identify and cope with triggers for impulsive behavior, anger and relapse, in order to better face the challenges that inevitably accompany independent living. Upon completion of the program, women accept personal responsibility, renew family relationships and complete a relapse prevention plan.Financial Wellness
Financial issues can be an enormous source of stress. Equipping our clients to better budget and manage their finances frees them to concentrate on other areas of wellness. Upon completing the program, our graduates follow a plan to reduce debt, secure affordable housing and find employment offering both a living wage and health benefits.Physical Wellness
A dietician helps clients plan nutritionally balanced meals, develop healthy eating habits and achieve a healthy weight. A nurse practitioner provides a complete physical and follow-up care, and volunteers teach health and wellness, yoga and exercise classes. Here, women learn to maintain healthy lifestyles and access health care resources.Social Wellness
Housing, classes and social events contribute to a client’s ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships. Clients transition from dormitory-style living to small homes, apartment-style living and, finally, independent living. In the process, they develop the skills needed to build and maintain a strong outside support network.Spiritual Wellness
Aided by volunteers trained as spiritual companions, clients of The Women’s Home are invited to explore their spirituality. Through faith discussions, daily prayer and participation in a non-denominational religious community, many women committo continued spiritual growth and find the inner peace and strength that aids in rehabilitation.
Vocational Wellness
Gainful employment provides far more than a paycheck. It contributes enormously to the growth of an individual’s self-esteem. Our clients complete computer classes, learn job search and interviewing techniques and receive on-site vocational training. Graduates receive aftercare services to aid in job retention.Aftercare Services
Aftercare services are part of the vocational program and focus heavily on helping graduates overcome job-retention challenges through vocational support groups. The Women’s Home also offers individual and family therapy on a short-term basis. Graduates are encouraged to return to The Home to use its computer facilities and support services indefinitely.WholeLife Forms Model of Services at Jane Cizik Garden Place
Several design elements and amenities at Jane Cizik Garden Place were built around the WholeLife concept, from the beautifully crafted courtyard garden, to the peaceful labyrinth and spiritual meditation room, to the exercise center overlooking the patio and gazebo area. A commuter lab and community room is available to all residents.
On site case management services are also based on WholeLife. A full-time case counselor offers assistance in mental and physical health care, food and transportation resources, substance abuse treatment, legal help, job search training, budgeting, faith based referrals, and applying for Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits. Enrichment activities encourage tenants to socialize with neighbors.
Jane Cizik Garden Place provides a national model for permanent supportive housing and proves that WholeLife wellness can be fulfilled beyond transitional treatment. Tenants who benefit from WholeLife principles are successful and experience the joy felt from giving back to others.
WholeLife
