Visitation House MinistriesInc

Outreach Education Program(Adult Learning Center);Supportive Services Program:The Outreach Education Program (Adult Learning Center) offers GED classes in Spanish and English and ESL (English as a second language) classes to Hispanic women and Spanish-speaking immigrant women. The goal of the Outreach Education Program (Adult Learning Center) is to give women both the tools and the confidence to take the next step in their advancement. Earning a GED is a launching pad for getting into college or earning an advance certification in a profession, finding employment or getting a promotion. Whatever their personal goals may be, earning a GED will ultimately empower them to pursue a better quality of life for their families. Effective May 31, 2023, the board of directors voted to conclude the Outreach Education Program (Adult Learning Center) due to lack of participation.VHM began the Supportive Services Program in September with the goal to provide support to women in the community. This program extends our nonresidential support services to the larger population of low-income women in the San Antonio community. In collaboration with a local affordable housing program, we offer a ten-week program that aids economically vulnerable single mothers. During this period, participants receive case management support and resources focused on education and the workforce. The women set goals based on the individual needs they can achieve within the period, such as working on attaining a higher level of education, exploring career opportunities, budget building, creating healthy habits, or developing life skills, leading to stability to support their families.Four women participated in the program from September-December and completed goals such as enrolling in school, developing healthy relationships, financial literacy and prioritizing their mental health.100% of Housing Program participants experience changes in their lives that are moving them to self-sufficiency.100% of children experience residential stability, a nurturing environment and educational support. 100% of Supportive Service participants experienced improved confidence in their abilities to navigate their own self-identified goals for educational and professional growth.ConclusionWe are reminded of the mission of Visitation House Ministries to meet the needs of economically vulnerable women and their children. Visitation House Ministries continues to transition due to operational changes. The programs continue to be evaluated and continue to adjust to respond more effectively to current needs. Board and staff continue to work on developing plans for the future growth and development of the Visitation House Ministries. Visitation House Ministries Core Tenets Throughout this planning process, leadership worked to identify the ministrys Core Tenets, which help define VHM and its approach to ministry. The vision and strategy that results from this planning process should carefully consider these core tenets as guideposts for any future form this ministry may take. We believe in the power of co-ministry; as we work to serve the women of Visitation House Ministries, we learn from them and are transformed with them. We are a community, not an agency; we offer hospitality and housing to women with children who are ready and willing to make a sustainable change. Education is foundational to sustainable change, but not sufficient. Families need access to a broad menu of social services, navigation support and time to make lasting changes. Homelessness among families is a solvable problem. Women with children are the most motivated to make a sustainable change and can do so with the right resources, support and time. Our culture, programming, services and network support women in the creation of stable and loving homes for their children. We are most effective when we work with women who are willing and ready to make a change. When our expectations are high, women rise to meet them. We are demanding because we care and because it works. We are small in size, independent and non-bureaucratic, which allows us the freedom to create deep and long-lasting relationships with those we serve and to respond nimbly and effectively to the needs we see. We are part of a vast network of committed people, programs and resources that, when leveraged effectively, strengthen our ministry and those we serve. To be a sustainable ministry, we must have more than a financial plan. We must also have the skills and ability to set the right direction, make good decisions, provide valued services, grow and offer an excellent ministry. The spirituality and charism of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word are foundational to the relationships we forge and all that we do.Donated Services(In-Kind) for 2023 amounted to $0.