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| Posada Esperanza - Facility and
Services | ||
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Posada Esperanza is a shelter for immigrant women and children.
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Posada Esperanza, Casa Marianella's family program, was created in 2003 in order to create a program that could serve the needs of homeless families. Thanks to the generosity of a local affordable housing organization who bought a house for the Catholic Diocese of Austin to be used by Casa Marianella, Posada Esperanza was opened to offer housing to families of immigrant women and children. Posada Esperanza's purpose is to continue the mission of Casa Marianella to provide for the basic needs of homeless immigrants in Austin in a dignified setting that builds community. Posada Esperanza aims to create a home-like environment with programs that support the success of the family and the joy and learning of the children. The women who stay at Posada have a clear view of their top priority, which is providing for their children. They are grateful for the opportunity to stay at the shelter. They work hard every day caring for their little ones, doing housework at Posada, and searching for the best ways to support their family. Facility The facilities for Posada Esperanza are two lovely houses in a residential neighborhood. The houses have room for seven families to each have their own bedroom. The families then share the kitchen, bathrooms, and living room. A spacious back yard is shaded by oak trees. While at Posada Esperanza, the mothers have a support network made of the Posada staff, the other mothers residing at Posada, and the mothers who have moved on from Posada as well. At Posada Esperanza families stay on average from three to six months. They are permitted to stay until they obtain safe, secure housing, and they have the financial stability to pay for this housing. Staff works closely with the families to explore viable housing opportunities and assist in the application process for those looking to rent apartments. Services During their stay at Posada, families are provided with a safe and healthy environment and attention is given to each child's individual needs. Staff members support the mothers as they work toward their goals of finding stable housing and employment, and positive parenting. Resources are made available for psychological counseling, legal assistance, and health care, and education is provided in the areas of nutrition, English, health, safety, and budgeting. Each resident is provided with a monthly bus pass, and Posada staff and volunteers are also available to assist in transportation to medical, legal, and counseling appointments. Posada staff play a role in each child's education. Staff members assist in enrolling school-age children in Ortega Elementary School (including accessing needed immunizations), and facilitate and encourage regular communication between the children's teacher and the mother, to ensure success in school. One staff member or volunteer is available to help with the regularly assigned homework or to provide extra tutoring as needed or as suggested by the child's teacher. During weekends and school breaks, Posada staff plan educational activities for the children reinforcing what they are learning in school. Daily physical and outdoor activities are also planned. Examples of activities include: trips to the neighborhood pool, tours and picnics on the Capitol grounds, and visits to the Austin Nature Center, as well as other local museums and parks. Posada staff is educated on the services available in the community and is able to arrange medical appointments, legal and counseling appointments and make other referrals to ensure that the needs of the mothers and children are met. Referrals include: the Office of Immigrant Concerns, SafePlace, Austin Families and Project Help. | ||