| Homeless
Care
Our
Staff
 Esperanza
En Escalante has developed and implemented a rather unique programmatic
theme that has so far produced excellent outcome results. From the beginning
of the rehabilitative experience the individual assumes major control
and responsibility for his/her program. This includes definition
of short and long-term goals, implementation of methods toward realization
of these goals and identification of personal, financial, social and related
barriers to realization of the veteran’s rehabilitative plan. EEE performs
a global evaluation with each resident at the time of admission to program,
giving us a starting point. On occasions where residents are experiencing
major difficulties with other agencies and programs external to EEE, our
staff will personally go with resident as an advocate and assists in resolving
the problems. Throughout there is emphasis from the staff on unrelenting
support, encouragement and assistance. Quarterly reviews are held with
clinical staff and individual residents exploring plan and implementation
issues. We have found that it may take a couple months for the resident
to emotionally make the change from the "homeless culture" to a more suburban
setting. Immediately they value the security of the setting, the idea of
having their own room, and people who care about them. Each resident has
an individual counselor and attends group counseling and problem solving
with staff and other veterans who are at a similar level in the program.
To individualize and support residents
on a close personal basis the following activities are carried out. Holidays
are celebrated with planned activities such as Easter brunches, Thanksgiving
dinners and Christmas parties. Current residents, previous residents, board
members, volunteers and staff often pitch in by bringing food and sharing
in celebration. Current residents are always involved in the planning.
We celebrate each resident’s birthday. Homeless veterans have not celebrated
birthdays for a long time.
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