Please join us for a special community service project at Laura's Home, an affiliate of The City Mission. IREM members will be assisting with much needed, hands-on projects within the facility and on the property. These projects may include:

• Painting a room/classroom
• Outdoor landscaping/mulching/weeding
• Washing windows (inside and outside)
• Deep cleaning spaces
• Sorting/organizing donations
• Helping to assemble/move furniture
• Etc.

We will not know the exact projects assigned for our afternoon until a little closer to our volunteer date. You will be instructed in advance on tools, equipment, clothing/dress, etc. needed for this volunteer project(s). 

IREM members have always enjoyed volunteering for hands-on community service projects, and this one at Laura's Home is sure to be very special. Read below on their mission and who they assist. We are confident you will want to keep the afternoon of June 1 open and available for this opportunity.

FINDING HELP: When a single woman or a mom with kids arrives at Laura’s Home, they take intentional time to let them know they’re safe, and introduce them to what it means to participate in a personalized program at Laura’s Home. Their dedicated staff takes an individualized approach with every woman who comes to the crisis center. A caseworker will complete an assessment with every individual, and based on the needs of that individual will recommend the best track to help them meet their goals. Tracks can last anywhere from a short-term emergency stay to an entire year of completing classes and finding adequate housing and income. The goal is to identify each person’s unique needs, and assist them with the best care and resources available. Aside from providing for all basic needs, Laura's Home staff begins to engage women through a personal caseworker, introductory crisis support groups, and linking the women with any collaborative services that are needed. Children are immediately supported through Pathways, in-house childcare, tutoring, and fun activities.

HEALING HEARTS: Women committed to participating in a program track create their individualized plans with their caseworker. On-site, loving childcare is provided by staff so the mothers can fully embrace the opportunities provided at Laura’s Home. Staff work closely with each woman to help her set a path to achieve adequate income and sustainable housing. Part of this stage might also include basic education in our Resource Center, vocational training, group therapy and classes to heal from trauma and mental health issues, an on-site Intensive Outpatient Program, and connection to a local church, support groups, and chapel services.

EMPOWERING HOME: Once a woman has completed her individualized program, everyone celebrates! For some, their stay at Laura’s Home will be brief after completing their track, but for others, this time can be extended based on their ongoing needs and their unique barriers to housing and income. The City Mission is unique in Cleveland, as they allow families and individuals to take the time needed to achieve their most sustainable option. Women who choose to stay for a longer period of time are often focused on saving money, finding work with adequate wages, or locating housing in an area where their children can thrive.  When women walk across the stage at graduation, they do so knowing that whatever happens next, they’re prepared to navigate their circumstances with skill and grace.