Directions Home

Update on Directions Home Program

    Last News from Day Resource Center, August 2011 Written by James McCartney

In the two years I’ve had the privilege of serving the folks that avail themselves of the services Day

Resources provides…
 

It is said that people come into your life for a season, whether long or short. I have been blessed to have had at least eighty people touch my life – whether for only one day or for considerably longer.
 

Most have been clients, some acquaintances, some friends. All are not easily forgotten.
 

Some have been successful, some still struggle, and a few are merely surviving.
 

Some have their own place, some have a room in a facility and a few have a place in heaven. They are safe.
 

I have celebrated their successes and supported them in their struggles; been a shoulder and ear for the people I’ve encountered. “You can’t believe in yourself if someone doesn’t believe in you first” is the sign on my desk. Each person knows I believe in them, encourage them to make good decisions, and celebrate when they do. For the ones that stumble, I’m not a crutch, but a leaning post. We find a way, together, to make it work.
 

What is success? Typing 13 words per minute with no errors! Taking a shower in privacy! Getting your GED! Washing your own clothes! Consistently going to support classes and keeping their “dragons” at bay. Learning to read; Getting a job; Going to school; Finding a supportive mate; and Of course…getting a safe place to live.
 

The struggles? Saying, “no” to bad habits and those who encourage them. Focusing on the positive (there’s not much to focus on, sometimes). Overcoming shyness, addictions, and mental challenges that seem overwhelming.
 

The failures? We don’t dwell on them – we start over!
 

May God bless all those folks; may He protect and provide for them; may He guide them and be their strength.
 

Directions Home Program

The City of Fort Worth and its partner agencies are working to make homelessness a rare, short-term and non-recurring experience in Fort Worth by 2018 through the Directions Home program. Directions Home seeks to focus efforts countywide to respond in the most economically prudent and compassionate way possible by increasing the supply of permanent supportive housing and expanding opportunities and service linked with accountability.

Helping Restore Ability is partnered with grant teams under the leadership of the Day Resource Center for the Homeless with Recovery Resource Council and the Women's Center. As a team member, Helping Restore Ability provides case management services specializing in the problems of clients with disabilities associated with physical and mental illness, development, and aging. Grant funding from the City of Fort Worth pays for case management, including the assessment, counseling, referrals to social services, training, and assistance for disabled homeless clients in the process of securing and maintaining stable housing and becoming productive citizens of the community.

General support donations to Helping Restore Ability support case manager expenses for mileage, computer usage, administration, and cell phones.

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