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Program goals are to satisfy basic shelter needs of arriving clients and to promote their successful integration into American society. For most arriving clients, La Posada is the first stop in this country after Immigration detention. As the first stop, La Posada has positioned itself to make a positive influence on how this vulnerable population approaches their resettlement journey and how they eventually can achieve self-sufficiency. The ground work for this begins immediately. Arriving clients receive warm welcomes and are shown compassion, patience and understanding. Every effort is made to assure them that they have come to a safe place. The significance of this initial effort cannot be underestimated. Many of the clients have suffered physically from injury or hunger and most have experienced psychological harm in their countries of origin and/or on their journey to America. They are fearful and poor, seldom possess a working knowledge of English, are culturally different and lack information concerning their rights and options. All of these factors combine to create frustration and a sense of powerlessness. As their initial fear dissipates and trust builds, the staff mentors clients to gain a head start for achieving effective cultural integration through English as Second Language Assistance and Life - Skills Education. Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; On a routine basis the following services are provided: • Shelter , 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, in a residential setting with dorms; • Meals, prepared communally and shared together;
• Simple recreation (soccer games, basket ball, videos);
• Communication resources: access to phone, fax, e-mail, and postal services; • Emotional support: compassionate listening, guidance and mentoring; access to faith groups (to religion and denomination of choice); • Case management : personal goal setting; access to legal aid, health care and social services, and assistance with relocation arrangements; • Local transportation: to legal, health care and social services offices, the library, bus station, etc.;
• Language instruction: from video and workbooks, plus individual and group conversation practice;
• Cultural integration: assistance and practice in budgeting, shopping, travel and communications, filling out paperwork, and dealing with government agencies, medical offices and businesses;
• Life skills: financial basics; health and nutrition education; job application skills and
• Experience in a self-sustainable lifestyle: organic gardening, recycling, residential energy-efficiency measures, and well-water application.
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