Family & Emergency Supportive Services
The Family and Emergency Supportive Services department (FSS) focuses on the assistance of those in crisis in our communities. These individuals and families facing a crisis situation affects their ability to address and or manage on their own due to the barriers of knowledge, resources, finances, skills, and support. Prince of Peace Center has seen an increase due to the pandemic in need of an immediate intervention. While some amount of stress is a normal response and should be expected, an overwhelming amount of stress can be unhealthy and on multiple areas in one’s life hence effecting their families and communities. Family Supportive Services addresses and meets the needs that are producing a negative response on families and the community providing crisis intervention and crisis managment.
In order to receive support from Crisis Intervention a potential client must call to schedule an appointment with our Crisis Intervention Specialist.
Crisis Intervention & Crisis Management
These ares valuable because the needs of the community are addressed as a whole, in addition to those of the individual. Outreach-oriented: Our Crisis Intervention Specialist will also take services into the communities rather than wait for individuals to come to us. Several times a month, in different parts of Mercer County she/he can located.
Crisis Intervention is an immediate and short-term emergency response from our Crisis Intervention Specialists.
Crisis Management is a longer response given to review, support, and promote stability from a Crisis Management Specialist.
A.W.E.S.O.M.E.
AWESOME
The Assistance With Education, Shelter, Organization, Money management, and Employment (AWESOME) program offers classes in areas such as budgeting, insurance, proper nutrition, decision making, and other life skills that are necessary for maintaining stability and encouraging self-sufficiency.
Those referred through Crisis Intervention or Crisis Management are eligible for a stipend to put towards a bill of his/her choice once a four-class session is completed. Funding for AWESOME stipends comes from a variety of generous sources in our widening community.
Crisis Assistance Program
A crucial component of living and working our mission at Prince of Peace Center, our Crisis Assistance program provides financial help to those struggling with an imminent eviction or utility shut-off. The primary focus of Crisis Assistance is meeting immediate needs, in order to move an individual or family from an emergency situation to a stable one. The Center is able to contribute up to $100.00 toward a rent or utility payment, preventing the eviction or shut-off; further funding may be available (up to $500.00) for single, working mothers who have custody of their minor children. Appointments must be scheduled with the Crisis Assistance case manager; walk-ins are typically accepted one day per week. Financial assistance is contingent on the funding at the time of need.
In 2019, $28,125.00 of our Emergency Assistance funding was awarded to successful AWESOME session participants.