The Good Shepherd Gracenter of San Francisco

Gracenter is solely focused on one ongoing program offered around-the-clock, 365 days each year: helping homeless women seeking long-term recovery break free from drug and alcohol addiction through a comprehensive recovery program that includes up to two years of transitional housing. It is a step-by-step process to successfully transition from addiction and homelessness into long-term recovery with all the skills needed for self-sufficiency. Gracenter works diligently with each woman to take all the important steps in the recovery process and build a solid foundation of health, economic security and stable housingall important factors in sustaining recovery. In addition providing up to two years of transitional housing, Gracenter provides each resident with three healthy meals per day and holistic support services. During their time at Gracenter, each woman creates an individualized recovery plan with the support of a case manager, and receives weekly one-to-one counseling to meet her recovery goals. Her case manager also helps her obtain all necessary documents, like IDs and social security cards, to receive healthcare, qualifying government benefits, and apply for employment. In addition, the case manager builds the self-sufficiency of each woman to set budgeting goals, improve her credit, establish a savings account, enroll in onsite nutrition and exercise classes, further her education, find permanent housing, and give back to the community through volunteerism. Gracenter diligently measures client outcomes to ensure the program is effective for long-term recovery from addiction. The following six objectives, all of which are key to long-term recovery, are measured when clients enter and exit their residency at Gracenter, as well as through follow-up communications at 6 months, 1, 2 and 3 years after leaving Gracenter: 1. At least 80% of Gracenter graduates will remain in recovery (free of drug and alcohol) use long-term.2. At least 80% of graduates will remain in stable housing after leaving Gracenter.3. At least 80% of graduates will continue to have healthcare long-term. 4. At least 90% of Gracenter graduates will have a stable income long-term.5. At least 85% of Gracenter graduates will remain free of arrest, indictment or conviction long-term. 6. At least 20% of Gracenter residents and 25% of graduates will enroll in higher education. Samples as of Dec. 31, 20231 year after leaving Gracenter:94% are in recovery from addiction94% are in stable housing94% have stable income97% lead a crime-free lifestyle95% have healthcare27% have furthered their education74% volunteerSample size n=1433 years after leaving Gracenter:96% are in recovery from addiction 97% are in stable housing96% have stable income97% lead a crime-free lifestyle96% have healthcare26% have furthered their education 83% volunteerSample size n=94These measurements are from the women Gracenter was able to reach by phone, email or in person. Gracenters excellent long-term recovery rates are due to these holistic services, as well as utilization of the current best practices in the recovery field, which include:1)Adhering to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines to effectively support a life in recovery, 2)The 12-Step approach, which is practical and therapeutic, 3)Restorative Justice practices of accepting responsibility for ones actions, repairing the harm through apology, restitution, changing ones behavior from criminal acts to positive ones and giving back to the community, and 4)Motivational Interviewing, which helps people explore their reluctance to change specific behaviors and includes empathy, support of self-efficacy and autonomy. Using this technique has been shown to contribute to a lower rate of recidivism.From a broader perspective, Gracenter also has a positive impact on the San Francisco community. Instead of being supported by the community as welfare recipients, inmates or emergency health care patients, the vast majority of Gracenter graduates are self-sufficient. They no longer depend on welfare, homeless shelters or related services. They avoid recidivism and have their own health insurance, and many give back to the community through volunteerism. The following testimonials provide a first-hand understanding of Gracenters impact on the women served:Gracenter saved my life.I now have a stable full-time job and am living independently for the first time in my life. Out of the many things Gracenter provided for me, it is this ability to be independent that is the greatest gift of all.I had the time and money to get major dental work done, go to a primary doctor and obtain a complete good bill of health, started classes at City College of S.F. with financial aid and met some good new people.Gracenter helped me in my search for employment and getting my ID, Social Security card. Gracenter has shown me that I can live sober and be productive. Thanks to my time here, I got my first real job and was able to see that it is possible for me to live a normal life.Gracenters approach is both comprehensive and preventative, helping each woman with the support she needs to live a healthy, meaningful and self-sufficient life.