Monroe Harding Inc.
Programs
Budget
$693,737.00
Description
Monroe Harding's Supportive Housing provides a comprehensive range of trauma-informed services to young adults, ages 18-21, aging out of the foster care system, who voluntarily consent to participate in Extension of Foster Care (EFC) programming after reaching the legal age of majority. Other residents are young adult crime victims. Monroe Harding understands that a young adult turning 18 is not always prepared for life as an adult. This lack of preparedness is much more severe for young adults who have been in the foster care system and those who have experienced criminal victimization. Monroe Harding provides affordable and safe apartments in Nashville. Skilled and caring professional staff provide an array of supportive services for residents including behavioral health counseling, life skills training, 24/7 on-call crisis management, basic needs assistance, etc. Supportive Housing services at Monroe Harding are partially funded by DCS' Extension of Foster Care (EFC) program.
Program Successes
DeMarcus moved into Monroe Harding housing after several years in state custody. DeMarcus obtained employment with ease but resigned from two jobs soon after being hired. He decided to focus on earning his HiSET instead of working. DeMarcus completed the HiSET with high scores. DeMarcus was admitted to a local university. He moved into on-campus housing; however, DeMarcus soon decided that he was not ready for the freedom of dorm life. DeMarcus returned to Monroe Harding's housing program for the support and structure he needed to succeed.
Brittany, who'd been in Monroe Harding housing for some time developed a plan to move to another state. When her plan fell through, Brittany was re-admitted to Monroe Harding. During her second admission, Brittany participated in therapy, educational services, and career development programming. She completed a hospitality and culinary training course. Brittany positioned herself for successful independent living.
Beneficiaries
Young Adults
Unhoused individuals
At-Risk Populations
Long-term Success
The goals for clients of Monroe Harding's Supportive Housing Program include:
• Completing a secondary and/or post-secondary educational plan.
• Obtaining and maintaining employment.
• Achieving financial stability.
• Exiting the Supportive Housing Program to safe, stable, permanent housing.
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$693,737.00
Description
Monroe Harding's Supportive Housing provides a comprehensive range of trauma-informed services to young adults, ages 18-21, aging out of the foster care system, who voluntarily consent to participate in Extension of Foster Care (EFC) programming after reaching the legal age of majority. Other residents are young adult crime victims. Monroe Harding understands that a young adult turning 18 is not always prepared for life as an adult. This lack of preparedness is much more severe for young adults who have been in the foster care system and those who have experienced criminal victimization. Monroe Harding provides affordable and safe apartments in Nashville. Skilled and caring professional staff provide an array of supportive services for residents including behavioral health counseling, life skills training, 24/7 on-call crisis management, basic needs assistance, etc. Supportive Housing services at Monroe Harding are partially funded by DCS' Extension of Foster Care (EFC) program.
Program Successes
DeMarcus moved into Monroe Harding housing after several years in state custody. DeMarcus obtained employment with ease but resigned from two jobs soon after being hired. He decided to focus on earning his HiSET instead of working. DeMarcus completed the HiSET with high scores. DeMarcus was admitted to a local university. He moved into on-campus housing; however, DeMarcus soon decided that he was not ready for the freedom of dorm life. DeMarcus returned to Monroe Harding's housing program for the support and structure he needed to succeed.
Brittany, who'd been in Monroe Harding housing for some time developed a plan to move to another state. When her plan fell through, Brittany was re-admitted to Monroe Harding. During her second admission, Brittany participated in therapy, educational services, and career development programming. She completed a hospitality and culinary training course. Brittany positioned herself for successful independent living.
Beneficiaries
Young Adults
Unhoused individuals
At-Risk Populations
Long-term Success
The goals for clients of Monroe Harding's Supportive Housing Program include:
• Completing a secondary and/or post-secondary educational plan.
• Obtaining and maintaining employment.
• Achieving financial stability.
• Exiting the Supportive Housing Program to safe, stable, permanent housing.
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$497,177.00
Description
Since 2005, Monroe Harding's resource center for young adults has provided free comprehensive services for young people (ages 14-26). Resource center clients include young adults who are currently in or have aged out of state custody and other vulnerable young adults who are neither attending school nor participating in the labor market. These young adults have typically lived in poverty, without adequate economic resources or sufficient support from their families and communities. The resource center is located in downtown Nashville. It is one of only four designated community resource centers for current and former foster youth in the state of TN. The center offers employment preparedness, intensive career development, secondary and post-secondary educational support, juvenile justice intervention, financial education/asset acquisition training, basic needs assistance, life skills instruction, and sexual health/intimate relationship education
Program Successes
Calista was homeless, had dropped out of high school, and had never been employed. She came to MH for employment assistance. Despite being in crisis, Calista was determined to change her life for the better. She committed to achieving her personal goals, with the support of Monroe Harding. Calista completed Monroe Harding's career development curriculum. Calista got a job at a candy store. When she had a stable source of income, Calista was able to move into permanent housing. Calista enrolled in HiSET classes at Monroe Harding and passed the HiSET. Calista's career interest inventory revealed an interest in art. Her Monroe Harding career coach arranged for Calista to exhibit her artwork locally, fueling Calista's desire to pursue a creative career. Calista was accepted into a post-secondary education program at a sound engineering institute that combined her love of visual art with her passion for music.
Beneficiaries
Young Adults
At-Risk Populations
Long-term Success
Monroe Harding's young adult service recipients made significant progress on long-term goals during FY 2024. 96% of the young adults who participated in therapy with Monroe Harding's team of mental health clinicians experienced decreased symptoms of emotional/behavioral distress, as evidenced by pre-treatment versus post-treatment clinical assessment results. 11 Monroe Harding service recipients graduated from high school, passed the HiSET, or completed post-secondary educational programs. 41% of clients who participated in vocational training opportunities demonstrated increased job skills. 60% of Monroe Harding's clients who gained employment in industry-credentialed and/or high-demand fields maintained stable employment in these positions for at least three months. 94.5% of clients who participated in financial literacy and asset acquisition programming demonstrated improved financial behaviors including opening bank accounts, implementing savings plans, and acquiring assets.
Short-term Success
During FY 2024, Monroe Harding's young adult programs and services met or exceeded all of the following metrics for success developed in collaboration with funders. Detailed information is presented below, including projected and actual numbers for each of the metrics:
•Projected-317 young adults will be engaged in opportunities for personal development (e.g., academic support, employment preparation, career readiness, financial literacy and asset acquisition, education, life skills training, basic needs assistance, and health education)
Actual-348 young adults were engaged in opportunities for personal development
•Projected-50 young adults will achieve academic progress
Actual-51 young adults achieved academic progress
•Projected-80 young adults will participate in clinical mental health services
Actual-80 young adults participated in clinical mental health services
•Projected-60 young adults will receive housing assistance
Actual-76 young adults received housing assistance
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$497,177.00
Description
Since 2005, Monroe Harding's resource center for young adults has provided free comprehensive services for young people (ages 14-26). Resource center clients include young adults who are currently in or have aged out of state custody and other vulnerable young adults who are neither attending school nor participating in the labor market. These young adults have typically lived in poverty, without adequate economic resources or sufficient support from their families and communities. The resource center is located in downtown Nashville. It is one of only four designated community resource centers for current and former foster youth in the state of TN. The center offers employment preparedness, intensive career development, secondary and post-secondary educational support, juvenile justice intervention, financial education/asset acquisition training, basic needs assistance, life skills instruction, and sexual health/intimate relationship education
Program Successes
Calista was homeless, had dropped out of high school, and had never been employed. She came to MH for employment assistance. Despite being in crisis, Calista was determined to change her life for the better. She committed to achieving her personal goals, with the support of Monroe Harding. Calista completed Monroe Harding's career development curriculum. Calista got a job at a candy store. When she had a stable source of income, Calista was able to move into permanent housing. Calista enrolled in HiSET classes at Monroe Harding and passed the HiSET. Calista's career interest inventory revealed an interest in art. Her Monroe Harding career coach arranged for Calista to exhibit her artwork locally, fueling Calista's desire to pursue a creative career. Calista was accepted into a post-secondary education program at a sound engineering institute that combined her love of visual art with her passion for music.
Beneficiaries
Young Adults
At-Risk Populations
Long-term Success
Monroe Harding's young adult service recipients made significant progress on long-term goals during FY 2024. 96% of the young adults who participated in therapy with Monroe Harding's team of mental health clinicians experienced decreased symptoms of emotional/behavioral distress, as evidenced by pre-treatment versus post-treatment clinical assessment results. 11 Monroe Harding service recipients graduated from high school, passed the HiSET, or completed post-secondary educational programs. 41% of clients who participated in vocational training opportunities demonstrated increased job skills. 60% of Monroe Harding's clients who gained employment in industry-credentialed and/or high-demand fields maintained stable employment in these positions for at least three months. 94.5% of clients who participated in financial literacy and asset acquisition programming demonstrated improved financial behaviors including opening bank accounts, implementing savings plans, and acquiring assets.
Short-term Success
During FY 2024, Monroe Harding's young adult programs and services met or exceeded all of the following metrics for success developed in collaboration with funders. Detailed information is presented below, including projected and actual numbers for each of the metrics:
•Projected-317 young adults will be engaged in opportunities for personal development (e.g., academic support, employment preparation, career readiness, financial literacy and asset acquisition, education, life skills training, basic needs assistance, and health education)
Actual-348 young adults were engaged in opportunities for personal development
•Projected-50 young adults will achieve academic progress
Actual-51 young adults achieved academic progress
•Projected-80 young adults will participate in clinical mental health services
Actual-80 young adults participated in clinical mental health services
•Projected-60 young adults will receive housing assistance
Actual-76 young adults received housing assistance
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$2,203,578.00
Description
Monroe Harding's Foster Care program provides children and teens (up to 19 years of age) with a safe, nurturing environment while their birth parents improve their ability to care for them. Our goal is for the children to achieve permanency through reunification, kinship care, or adoption. Monroe Harding provides 24/7 support for our foster families with trained and compassionate staff who assist with everyday life, as well as emergencies and crises. Using trauma-informed care best practices, we provide wraparound support with individualized case management focusing on the needs of the foster youth in the home. Monroe Harding provides ongoing training and support to help families feel confident in parenting children who have experienced trauma due to abuse or neglect.
Beneficiaries
Families
At-Risk Populations
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Long-term Success
The goals of Monroe Harding's Foster Care program service recipients include:
• Achieving permanency-through reunification, relative placement, or adoption-in a timely manner.
• Processing past traumas and decreasing the negative impact of past abuse and/or neglect on their lives.
• Developing life skills, making educational progress and participating in enriching experiences.
Program Success Monitored By
The success of Monroe Harding's foster care program is monitored externally by state government agencies. The Department of Children's Services (DCS) monitors the agency's foster care program with an intensive annual records audit conducted by members of its Provider Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) team. PME looks for evidence of Monroe Harding's compliance with contract terms, adherence to state and federal laws/regulations, and progress toward meeting stated goals and outcomes. Monroe Harding's foster care program is also subject to outcome evaluation as a participant DCS' Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) program. The organization's achievement of key success metrics, such as decreased lengths of stay, increased exits to permanency, and decreased recidivism is tracked and evaluated by the state's PBC team. Monroe Harding is licensed by the state to place children. Licensure representatives conduct at least one announced and one unannounced on-site records review visit per year.
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$2,203,578.00
Description
Monroe Harding's Foster Care program provides children and teens (up to 19 years of age) with a safe, nurturing environment while their birth parents improve their ability to care for them. Our goal is for the children to achieve permanency through reunification, kinship care, or adoption. Monroe Harding provides 24/7 support for our foster families with trained and compassionate staff who assist with everyday life, as well as emergencies and crises. Using trauma-informed care best practices, we provide wraparound support with individualized case management focusing on the needs of the foster youth in the home. Monroe Harding provides ongoing training and support to help families feel confident in parenting children who have experienced trauma due to abuse or neglect.
Beneficiaries
Families
At-Risk Populations
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Long-term Success
The goals of Monroe Harding's Foster Care program service recipients include:
• Achieving permanency-through reunification, relative placement, or adoption-in a timely manner.
• Processing past traumas and decreasing the negative impact of past abuse and/or neglect on their lives.
• Developing life skills, making educational progress and participating in enriching experiences.
Program Success Monitored By
The success of Monroe Harding's foster care program is monitored externally by state government agencies. The Department of Children's Services (DCS) monitors the agency's foster care program with an intensive annual records audit conducted by members of its Provider Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) team. PME looks for evidence of Monroe Harding's compliance with contract terms, adherence to state and federal laws/regulations, and progress toward meeting stated goals and outcomes. Monroe Harding's foster care program is also subject to outcome evaluation as a participant DCS' Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) program. The organization's achievement of key success metrics, such as decreased lengths of stay, increased exits to permanency, and decreased recidivism is tracked and evaluated by the state's PBC team. Monroe Harding is licensed by the state to place children. Licensure representatives conduct at least one announced and one unannounced on-site records review visit per year.
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
CEO/Executive Director/Board Comments
| Monroe Harding's greatest challenges are: 1. Diversifying, expanding and sustaining our programs and services to meet the needs of over 9,000 Tennessee children in foster care and over 9,300 Opportunity Youth in the greater Nashville area. 2. Increasing community awareness about our programs, services and impact, and the needs of foster children and other vulnerable young adults. 3. Expanding our funding resources. We are steadily Monroe Harding's capacity and building a sustainable business model that affords us the flexibility to expand and to contract based on need. With a 130-year legacy of caring for foster children and teens in state custody, we enjoy a wide and diverse network of partners, a solid relationship with the Department of Children's Services, and a deep covenant relationship with Presbyterian Churches. While these relationships are vital to the work we do through volunteers, financial support, state contracts, etc., Monroe Harding is increasing its visibility within the broader community. One of our greatest challenges remains getting our message out. Only through community awareness will we be able to recruit more foster parents, find solid and stable adult relationships for our older youth, and raise the financial and volunteer resources necessary to grow our programs and services to meet the need. |
