The Life Center of Hernando
A Residential Program
Young homeless women and their children depend on
YOUR donation to prepare for a better life.
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TLC’s objective is that each adult resident will transition out of the program better prepared to meet the challenges and joys of independent living.
To facilitate this, each young woman will have the opportunity to acquire the skills, initiative, personal vision, maturity, and overall wellness to step into a life of healthy, responsible independence and self-sufficiency.
TLC follows all state and national laws regarding discrimination. It is the policy of The Life Center of Hernando, Inc. to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employee or client discrimination or harassment.
The Life Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, or disabilities.
TLC complies with The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law in 1990.
A young single mom raising her child alone is often forced to enter the adult world before she has had time to fully develop the life skills necessary to build a strong family for herself and her child. Some young parents may have left their previous home and are coping with parenthood demands, while they themselves lack basic independent living skills. No matter how academically or vocationally prepared, smart, or mature a young parent might be, a major deficit in life skills can prove disastrous.
Our first goal with each newly admitted family is stabilization and healing in a non-threatening environment that welcomes each young family. They soon have shelter, food, toys, acceptance and mentors.
Residents have the opportunity to further education, obtain employability skills, gain parenting and life skills, and enjoy a sense of belonging. This program purposes to serve the spiritual, physical, social, intellectual, and emotional spheres of each resident from the probationary period to post transition. The program components are designed to assist the residents in their areas of need. TLC expects that each woman will improve her likelihood of success to live independently, parent skillfully, and enjoy life more fully.
CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
The Life Center of Hernando welcomes children five years of age and under. TLC believes strongly in the benefits of early childhood education. Our facility has several play areas to serve the youngsters. Our goal is to create a safe place for mothers and children to grow together as they heal in a child-friendly environment.
Toddlers and preschoolers are offered a wide variety of educational materials as well as a large outdoor play area The children have endless opportunities for hands-on learning. There is opportunity for each child to enjoy blocks, dolls, puzzles, books and art projects. Outdoors there is an amazing bike path, swings, slides and an age appropriate tree house. In the summer, there is always a lot of water play.
Parents learn the importance of teaching language skills and providing encouragement. They model moral and health values. Each child receives loving care and security which fosters a sense of well being. This in turn allows the child to venture further in his explorations.
One of our first goals when a new family enters TLC is to help get the children enrolled in a licensed daycare. TLC offered daily transportation to and from daycare. We believe this is a child’s best option to prepare for higher education- kindergarten and beyond.
Once a family is established in our facility, we have the mother make the necessary appointments to have her child professionally evaluated. Sometimes a child is right on track. Sometimes the disruptions associated with families in transition, mean some extra attention is needed to be sure each child is on track for kindergarten.
Of course if a child turns six while in our program, he is welcome to remain at TLC with his family . When needed, we help mom get him enrolled in kindergarten and arrange for school bus transportation.
Life skills are necessary, practical skills.
Many young parents, in assuming the responsibility for their own children, have experienced first hand the harsh reality of adult life.
Here are some Life Skills offered at The LIfe Center of Hernando:
Money Management & Consumer Awareness:
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Job skills: seeking employment, application, interview, resume, keeping a job, work etiquette
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Money: banking, money orders, income tax & W-2, savings, tithes, sales tax
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Budgeting: transportation, rent, food, medical, recreation, savings, emergencies
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Wisdom: buying vs renting, new vs used, want ads, credit cards: use, interest and late fees, loans, child support, legal support, time management, goal setting
Emergency Solutions:
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Emergencies: fire, water, electric, medical, hurricanes, evacuations
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Transportation: maintenance, insurance, drivers license, registration
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Repairs: water shut off, electrical, painting, plumbing
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Abuse: physical, mental, substance abuse, self image
Food Management:
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Cooking: vegetables, meat, grains, legumes, recipes, menus,
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Safe food handling and leftovers, nutrition, eating for health, introducing children to new foods
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Food budget tips: coupons, bulk, labels, eating out, kid friendly
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Grocery shopping: lists, fresh vs. frozen vs. canned or boxed, seasonal, discounted
Childhood Development:
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Prenatal, labor, delivery, development for ages 0-1, birth control
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Childhood development for ages 1-4
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Childhood development for ages 5-12
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Concerns: discipline, illness, school issues, child care, obesity, child’s relationship with males
Interpersonal Skills:
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Teamwork: community resources, relationships, communication
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Decision Making: thinking skills, goal setting, time management
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Coping Skills: stress, emotions, negotiation skills, legal skills
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Etiquette: manners, invitations, hospitality, introductions, using the telephone, making reservations
Hygiene & Health:
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House keeping: laundry, disinfecting, cleaning
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Hygiene: skin, hair, nails, clothing, dental, clothing, bedding, pets
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Health: birth control, posture, preventive, exercise, hydration
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Dieting: body image, fads, food groups, junk food, fast food
Enrichment :
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Life Books (baby books): scrapbook style, electronically, photos, keepsakes
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Ethnic Cooking: Hispanic,European, Oriental, African
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Celebrations: invitations, food, entertainment, decorations, hostessing
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Community Resources: benefits, transportation, library, health
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Spiritual Enrichment
Recreation and family time are very important elements in a well balanced life. With that in mind, activities for family fun are offered. Examples are: an ice cream social, sidewalk art, a neighborhood walk, a sing along, or a tea party. Holidays and special events are celebrated.
Community involvement is important and is also part of a well balanced life. Activities involving others in the community are offered such as: guest speakers, church involvement and community service. There are opportunities for residents to participate in community events are available such as library services.
Another component of our program is our referral services which include:
* pregnancy testing
* adoption information & support
* childbirth classes
* abuse counseling
* substance abuse
* employment resources
* infant and children’s clothing
* physical & mental health
We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and their children's
for a better world.
Our Mission
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