There’s Some Place Like Home

Stepping Stones Resource Center offers safety and sanctuary to young adults

Homelessness does not discriminate. Homelessness affects all genders, races, religions, and ages — even youth. But it isn’t like Dorothy in Oz searching for a way home in some fantasy land. It’s real for many young people in this country, and yes, even in Fargo-Moorhead.

Factors leading to homelessness include family dynamics; changes in employment, finances, physical or mental health; or issues with substance or domestic abuse. Each person’s journey is unique, and in most cases, homelessness is a temporary circumstance, not a chronic condition.

In 2009, Fraser, Ltd. had space for a center and was willing to develop a program and hire staff to address this local issue. The program, Stepping Stones Resource Center (SSRC), provides homeless prevention and intervention services to youth and young adults, ages 16-24. Their drop-in center doors opened with a program director and six volunteers. In the first few months, they served more than 50 youth. In 2010, 635 individuals were served, of which about 300 were homeless. Today, two social workers and six staff assist clientele.

Christopher Johnson, director of community services, joined Fraser to establish the program. “Homelessness is a result of contributing factors and lack of social capital,” he said. “People this age often just need help navigating the system. Where can they get a birth certificate? What types of temporary housing options are available? How can they earn a GED? Fifty-three percent of the people who use our facility are homeless. The rest are at risk of becoming homeless. Forty percent have a child of their own.”

SSRC, at 2902 South University Drive, Fargo, in the Fraser Ltd. Building, is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Some clients have basic needs, such as food, clothing, personal care items, or laundry facilities. Others come for assistance with employment or educational goals.

Johnson said the staff teaches them about the hiring process and helps them complete job applications and write cover letters and resumes. “We role play interviews, so they can anticipate how to answer interview questions. We discuss how explicit questions might be looking for implicit answers. And computer workstations on-site are available for their use.”

Johnson calls the clients “guests.” These guests are asked to sign in, but do not need to supply their full names so they can maintain their anonymity. Guests are required to adhere to SSRC’s seven established values: safety, self-determination, diversity, dignity and worth, human relationships, social justice, and service. Guests are treated with respect and expected to reciprocate.

Fraser, Ltd. was founded in 1893 to support single women and their children. They continue serving the community by developing and executing programs to meet unaddressed needs by promoting the independence of all people living in Fargo and surrounding communities. Through 230 staff and 400 volunteers, they assist more than 1000 people annually.

Fraser Ltd.’s executive director Sandra Leyland said “Our success is due to the dedication of the people who unselfishly work and donate time and expertise to enable independence for the people we support. Every time one of our clients finds safety and sanctuary in one of our programs, that means success in his or her life.”

Fraser Ltd. operates a childcare center licensed for 189 children, of which 25 percent are children with special needs. Nine licensed and accredited residential homes offer residential adult disability services. These 87 residents are assisted 24/7 by staff who help them practice independent living skills daily and work on pre-vocational skill development. Visit their website at fraserltd.org for more information.

Fraser’s corporate support coordinator, Barb Grabar, encourages individuals, organizations, and businesses that are interested in supporting services to children with special needs, youth at risk, or adults with intellectual disabilities. “We can coordinate projects to work on together. We are also available to give tours or presentations about our services,” she said.

Johnson said, “SSRC’s mission is to provide basic needs, life skills education, and advocacy services for disenfranchised youth by supporting independent thought and empowering self-directed action. If we can assist them, we do. Otherwise, we are fortunate to collaborate with other agencies within the Fargo-Moorhead Coalition for Homeless Persons. Fargo-Moorhead has a strong homeless coalition. We can usually find help somewhere.”

SSRC’s vision is to address barriers to independent living and self sufficiency to disenfranchised youth. They carry on Fraser Ltd.’s century-old dedication to serving all people, especially those with unaddressed needs. So, a little like Dorothy, with personal desire and someone to point them in the right direction, more people will find there is some place like home. [AWM]