Purpose

The Pikes Peak Community Action Agency established the Transition to Independence Program to increase the capacity of low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient.

Description

Pikes Peak Community Action Agency (PPCAA) created the Transitions to Independence Program (TIP) as part of a holistic approach that could address the multitude of barriers to achieving self-sufficiency (PPCAA video).  PPCAA established a Strategic Plan in the form of an illustration depicting the agency's history, values, mission, service linkages and community partnerships.  This process was conducted through the use of Graphic Recording facilitated by Wittmann Studios.  Other resources to assist with this type of planning process could be identified through a search for "Graphic Recording" on the Internet.

The framework for PPCAA's services is based on a ROMA Logic Model format adapted from the Center for Applied Management Practices.  A Continuum of Services Logic Model responds to three levels of need:

• Need: Working poor families are at risk of hunger, homelessness, and ill health and are unable to access employment and community services
  • Family Stabilization Services (FSS flyer) are provided involving assessment, eligibility, counseling, budget counseling, food pantries and supportive services.
  • Outcomes include (a) people have safe and appropriate housing, (b) people are healthier, and (c) people have greater opportunities and access to employment and community services.
• Need:  Working poor families often lack the necessary education, job skills, or life skills to successfully compete in the job market.
  • The Transitions to Independence Program (TIP flyer) is offered involving orientation, assessment, case plans, counseling, workshops, supportive services, and follow-up.
  • A Youth Education Savings Program (YES flyer) teaches fiscal responsibility, accountability and provides resources for educational assistance and post secondary education
  • Outcomes include (a) education and skill levels are increased and (b) income is increased to self-sufficiency levels.
• Need:  Lower-income people lack opportunities to build assets. 
  • The Save Up to Step Out Program (IDA flyer) provides orientation, intake & enrollment, savings accounts, financial literacy training, and asset training.
  • Outcomes include (a) people are homeowners, (b) people obtain advanced education, and (c) people start and expand small businesses.

Intake and assessment for TIP uses a Self-Sufficiency Assessment Scale to determine client status from "In Crisis" to "Thriving" in six developmental domains: Housing/Food; Income/Assets; Education/Skills; Environment; Relationships; Personal Attributes.

TIP staff includes a Program Director, Case Managers and Client Counselors. Case management includes monthly follow-up for a period of one year.

PPCAA assists clients financially to help accomplish case management plans.  An annual fundraising campaign known as The Empty Stocking Fund occurs through a collaborative community initiative.  This is conducted by the local newspaper (The Gazette) and partners include area human service agencies, individual givers, businesses and foundations.  Over $600,000 is raised with more than $100,000 provided to PPCAA.

Outcomes

TIP Success Story 1 and Sucess Story 2. 

Data for FY'08 through June 18th reflects:

• 40 clients currently enrolled (goal is to sign up 10 more)
• 166 services provided so far in 2008 at a cost of $20,663 ($124 actual cost per service vs. 2008 budget of $114) – 15 CNA Graduates so far in 2008 and 1 Bachelor of Science Degree

Prior year accomplishments are reflected in the 2007 TIP Annual Report.