Grantees Address Health and Human Service Needs of Homeless PopulationsPrimary Care Services When transgendered Janetta Johnson came to the Glide Health Clinic four years ago, she was in the throes of addiction and scarred from the hardships of life on the streets. Since then, Janetta has overcome her addiction and homeless lifestyle and has transitioned from being a Glide client to working full time as an HIV prevention case manager.
TCWF provided a two-year, $200,000 grant for core operating support to the Glide Health Clinic to fortify the organization as it shifted from providing urgent short-term care to long-term, primary physical and mental health care services. “I have been impressed with Glide’s success at providing primary care to those typically considered hard to reach,” said Lucia Corral Peña, TCWF program director. “The average number of return visits is four — that’s very high for this population.” The Glide Health Clinic, part of the Glide Foundation of the Glide Memorial United Methodist Church, provides over 7,000 visits a year to 1,800 patients. In addition to the health services, the Foundation also offers three meals a day, clothing, case management, shelter, job placement and child care services. “This web of services is needed in order to be able to make even small differences in people’s lives,” said Grace Galzagorry, managing director of health services at Glide. “At Glide, we believe in holistic care that addresses the needs of the whole human being.” Work – An Important Part of Healthy Futures Employment and health are linked in many ways. Work brings consistent income and, often, health benefits, which research has shown to be important predictors of long-term wellness. TCWF provided a two-year, $75,000 grant for core operating support to Chrysalis, which helps individuals who are homeless, formerly homeless or at risk of being homeless, to achieve self-sufficiency and long-term well-being through job opportunities. “We already had success working in the Skid Row, Santa Monica and Garden Grove communities when we decided to open a site in Pacoima of the San Fernando Valley,” said Adlai Wertman, CEO of Chrysalis. “Pacoima is primarily Latino, so we employ only bilingual and bicultural staff at that location.” Each year, more than 1,700 individuals secure employment and take concrete steps toward healthier futures through Chrysalis. Ninety-three percent of clients who complete job readiness classes secure employment. The classes provide an opportunity to learn job search skills such as how to address tough interview questions about felony convictions, gaps in employment and terminations. Clients can access job banks, computers and fax machines at Chrysalis and receive transportation vouchers, clothing and sack lunches, as needed. Also helpful is a designated phone message number and address that can be used on job applications and resumes. Through links with cooperating local agencies, clients can access preemployment physicals, substance abuse treatment, shelter, food assistance and other needed services. Depending on the individual’s need, a client may also benefit from two businesses run by Chrysalis. continued |
Winter 2001-02
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