Residential Care

Families in residence benefit greatly from various programs and opportunities during their stay at Gracewood, all designed to provide long-term quality of life changes for single mothers and their children. Most often this means helping moms achieve their educational and vocational goals while their children are safe, secure and loved.

Safe Haven
Gracewood offers a serene, safe haven to relieve stress for these families who are struggling to overcome difficult circumstances. In Gracewood’s residential family care program, up to five families live together with the residential case management couple in a large group residence. Four residences -- we like to call them "cottages" -- are located in Southwest Houston and in the Spring Branch area of Northwest Houston. One of the primary benefits of the family residential care program is that the family remains intact while working to improve their circumstances.

Individualized Plan of Service
Single mothers in the residential family care program work closely with the staff to design an individualized Plan of Service where she identifies her needs and goals for a three-month period. Staff continue to help the mother to work toward completing these goals and developing new goals while she is in residence with her children. At the end of each three-month period, the Plan of Service is re-evaluated and a determination is made regarding the next step for the family. Families are expected to continue working toward their identified goals as long as residential care is appropriate.

Life Skills Training
Through their interaction with the residential case management couple, families in residence acquire life skills that are necessary to improve and strengthen family structure. Mothers care for their children within the residence. They also prepare meals for their families and participate in cottage activities. Although church attendance is not required, it is encouraged as there is a program emphasis on spiritual development as a tool for strengthening the family.

Individual and Family Counseling
Gracewood recognizes that many clients are struggling to overcome difficult life circumstances. With this in mind, the program offers counseling services to families in residence. Each client meets with a professional counselor regularly and participates in group, individual and/or family counseling.

Aftercare
After a family leaves Gracewood residential care, they continue to be eligible for various elements of the program.

• Counseling will be offered and provided when needed for the mother and/or the children.
• Families will continue to receive assistance when needed in connecting with community resources.
• Gracewood staff will follow up with previous clients in a continual effort to provide support and assistance.

Other Program Resources
In addition to the above, single mothers have access to a variety of resources, including:
     Education and training assistance
     Employment resources
     Housing & transportation assistance
     Money management program
     Recreational opportunities
     Connection with community resources
     Aftercare Program

For more information, please contact us at (713) 988-9757 or info@gracewood.org.