Homeless Program
MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS GRANT
APPLES PROGRAM |
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A = Assistance |
WHO IS HOMELESS ACCORDING TO THE MCKINNEY-VENTO ACT?
- Families doubled-up with friends or families. This includes families in which the children and parent(s) are staying in different places.
- Families or individuals staying in parks or camping areas because they have no permanent housing.
- Children or youth placed in foster homes due to lack of permanent housing or abandonment by caretakers.
- Families staying in motels or other places temporarily because they have no permanent housing.
- Families staying away from home because returning to their home would mean returning to an "unsafe" environment or a situation involving domestic violence.
- Families who have lost their home due to disasters, lack of financial resources, etc.
- Families residing in sub-standard housing or structures which are in great need of repair and are considered unsafe for children.
AVAILABLE SERVICES FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN:
- In-school tutoring
- School supplies
- Cultural enrichment activities
- Supervised studies
- Computer-assisted activities/family connection center
- Parenting skills/family literacy
- Health/counseling services (through collaboration with educational and community agencies)
FOCUS FOR EDUCATION OF HOMELESS CHILDREN:
Increase academic performance
Build self esteem
Provide support services as needed
Facilitate enrollment and attendance
THE HOMELESS LIAISON
- Facilitates educational placements based upon the "best interest" of the child.
- Addresses behavioral/academic concerns as well as housing, clothing, and food needs.
- Coordinates provision of school supplies.
- Addresses parenting issues, family literacy, and domestic violence.
- Transfers/establishes school records when necessary.
- Makes referral for appropriate psychological/educational testing when necessary.
- Provides information on community resources, concealing, health resources, human development, and social services as needed (may include home visits).
- Collaborates with Preschool, Head Start, Even Start, as well as educational and community agencies.
- Coordinates tutoring services and cultural enrichment activities.
- Monitors attendance and grades.
- Schedules conferences with teachers/parents or guardians/school personnel.
SERVICES FOR NON-HOMELESS CHILDREN
Non-homeless children may be eligible to receive services through the APPLES Project if the students are at risk of failing or dropping out of school.
For more information,
contact
Missy McEntyre
Homeless Liaison
LaSalle Parish Media Center
P. O. Box 1167
Jena, LA 71342
Phone: 318-992-8884
FAX: 318-992-2169
[email protected]