Southeast Family Services, Inc

SOUTHEAST FAMILY SERVICES (SFS)’s MISSION:  

SFS is committed to excellence in serving individuals, families, and communities impacted by addiction, mental illness, violence, or homelessness by helping them achieve their greatest potential in recovery. SFS accomplishes this through a comprehensive continuum of care which respects the inherent goodness, worth, dignity and diversity of those we serve and employ.

SFS provides the following services:

Emergency Assistance Shelter for Families Experiencing Homelessness

Our three family centers provide emergency and case management services to families experiencing homelessness. They include the Fall River Family Center, Harbour House Family Center in New Bedford, and the Taunton Family Center. All are funded by the Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD).

Trauma-informed staff provides essential wraparound services at our family centers. Families are supported in all aspects of their journey towards self-sufficiency, with their primary goal being to rapidly re-house in sustainable permanent housing.

Residents receive a comprehensive assessment and participate in the development of short and long-term goals. Moreover, they are provided with assistance beyond the basic necessities to sustain activities associated with daily living.

Case managers work with families on issues based on a family’s particular needs: examples include addressing parenting issues, maintaining healthy nutrition, registering for GED or ESL classes, applying for job training, and addressing domestic violence. Outside referrals are made for added support services, as needed. A foundation is established for families outside the shelter as well, so when they transition into permanent housing, they will be less likely to return to the shelter system because of an ignorance of community-based services. SRN subcontracts with Catholic Social Services to provide specialized services to residents, assisting them in their housing search, and following up with stabilization services for up to 18 months once families move into permanent housing.

Family Preservation Program (FPP)

FPP is a HUD-funded supportive permanent housing program with case management services. The program consists of sixteen 2 and 3-bedroom apartments located in New Bedford.   FPP provides a safe and supportive setting for families in recovery as they work towards economic independence.

Families are supported in all aspects of their journey towards self-sufficiency, with the primary goal being to rapidly re-house in sustainable permanent housing. Participants are required to attend parenting groups and meet with their case manager as scheduled. Together, clients and case managers design an Individual Service Plan with clearly stated goals and objectives. FPP provides a safe and supportive setting for families in recovery as they work towards economic independence.

Healthy Families Massachusetts (HFM) Home Visiting Program

The Healthy Families Massachusetts Home Visiting is an evidenced based program which provides voluntary supportive home visiting services to first time young parents 20 yrs. of age and under (participants). Home visits are family-centered, strength-based and focus on establishing a trusting relationship. Home visitors and participants partner to develop safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments. The home visit is the basis for all the collaborative work involving home visitors and participants to meet the goals of the participant and the Healthy Families Massachusetts (HFM) program goals. Home Visitors meet with their assigned participants based on service levels and family needs as indicated in the HFM policy manual.

Home Visitors complete assessments to ensure appropriate service delivery and assist in the development of the Family Service Plan, as well as monitoring goal progress and achievement. Home Visitors plan curriculum according to participant needs, goals, and identified interest, make community referrals when appropriate and maintain contact for follow up, maintain all written/electronic records according to HFM/Children’s Trust policies, and assists in the development and facilitation of groups and social events for participants.

South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center (SSRAC)

Emergency Services: 24-hour toll-free hotline support, & emergency shelter assistance

Advocacy/Counseling and Support: Individual advocacy/counseling and support groups focusing on overcoming the effects of abuse; Support group for grandparents raising grandchildren of domestic violence victims

Advocacy: SAFEPLAN Court Advocacy in Plymouth District, Plymouth Probate, Wareham District, and Hingham District Courts, providing assistance with restraining orders, safety planning, information, resources, and referrals

Civilian Advocacy within Plymouth County police departments, providing victim contact & support, risk assessment, safety planning, information, resources, and referrals; Advocacy within Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth’s ED, providing crisis intervention, support, information, resources, and referrals; Advocacy within community and government agencies, including Transitional Assistance, DSS, and Social Security

SHARES advocacy for survivors, family, & friends of people who have been murdered, are victims of terrorism, or survivors of vehicular homicide

DDTF (Drunk Driving Trust Fund) advocacy for those affected by impaired drivers

Community Education and Trainings: Training for law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and social/human service providers; Workshops for community groups to build awareness; Outreach within schools and youth organizations on teen dating violence, sexual harassment, healthy relationships, and the effects of domestic violence on children who witness it at home