| The
Need |
| The
Benefits |
| Highlights
of the Village |
| Project
Cost |
| How
to Give |
| |
| |
| The
Need |
| Since the
early growth of MHFH, Lucy Hall-Gainer has understood
that the optimum way to develop the full potential of
the treatment approach is by creating a village where
all client services are consolidated and integrated with
daily living, where clients constantly experience the
reinforcing power of community and where destructive influences
can be kept outside. |
| Today,
housing, treatment, medical services, training and other
program elements are delivered in multiple locations,
stretching already limited resources. Residential treatment
is divided among several apartment complexes. Under these
circumstances, optimal control cannot be maintained over
the environment, people and situations that a client may
encounter. Additionally, 12-month leases result in frequent
moves when rents escalate or a complex comes under new
ownership. This undermines the sense of stability that
is so important in the MHFH program. |
| The MHFH
Board of Directors wants to purchase an apartment complex
in order to create the MHFH Village. Because leases of
longer than one year are not available for apartments,
purchase is the only feasible option to avoid the expense
and energy drain of frequent moves. |
 |
| |
| The
Benefits |
| The healing
force of community will be enhanced. |
| The effect of having
a safe, supportive community in recovery cannot be overstated.
The village will give literal and physical meaning to
what already exists emotionally and spiritually for women
and children. |
More
women will be served
In 2007, the number of women seeking services has almost tripled.
The village will provide potential space for 300 or more
women and children, significantly increasing the current
capacity, with only an incremental increase in cost. |
Lifestyle
change will be reinforced
The village concept will assure control over what and
whom clients encounter day to day. Stability will be enhanced
by having a single home throughout treatment, avoiding
the relocation that is now necessary as clients progress
in recovery. Many clients have never before experienced
having a long-term home, and being able to remain in one
place through the entire program will dramatically strengthen
other attitudinal and behavioral changes the client is
working to make in her life. |
Resources
will be used more efficiently
Approximately 60 percent of current operating costs are
related to housing, and owning offers real opportunity
for savings. |
| Consolidation
of services in the village will significantly reduce travel
time for staff as well as clients, allowing treatment
time and energy to be focused on therapeutic activities. |
|
| |
| Highlights
of the Village |
- All MHFH residences will be consolidated within
one complex
- Treatment and housing will be all inclusive, allowing
consistent levels of care.
- Children will be cared for on-site at the Heavenly
Angels Day Care Center
- The medical clinic will operate in immediate proximity
to where the women and children spend most of their
time
- On-site clothing bank and food pantry will provide
convenient access to necessities
- Amenities will include a café to promote
healthy, nutritional eating as well as socialization,
a library and a phone center (residential units have
no phones to encourage disengagement from former associates
who facilitated destructive behaviors)
- Ongoing activities will be offered in the evenings
and on weekends to promote healthy living
|
|
| |
| Project
Cost |
| The cost
of acquiring an appropriate apartment property with approximately
125 units along the Roswell Road corridor in North Fulton
is projected in the range of $7-$8 million. |
|
| |
| How
to Give |
| Checks may be made
payable to MHFH Capital Campaign and sent to: |
MHFH
P.O. Box 501205
Atlanta, GA 31150 |
|
