Programs and Services

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program - 93 low-income families with children were served by the FSS program in 2008, 90% were headed by single mothers. Each family’s goal is to maintain stable, full-time employment for a minimum of one year earning above the Federal Poverty Level. About two out three families achieve their goals with their average earned income increasing from $5,800 at intake to over $25,000 at graduation.
 

Transitional Housing for Homeless Families – Stride served 95 formerly homeless families with children in 2008. These families receive all the services of the FSS program, plus much more intensive services including finding and maintaining an apartment. Each family’s goal is to retain stable housing and increase their earned income. About half our participants meet these goals. 
 

Children's Program – The Children’s Fund began in 1996. Stride uses this fund to support tutoring and extra-curricular activities for children. Stride also facilitates in-kind donations to Stride kids. In 2008, 200 children received holiday gifts.
 

Building Financial Assets: Stride has helped more than 39 former welfare recipients become homeowners, by providing counseling and down payment assistance. We now also offer Individual Development Accounts and financial literacy training to help participants build their financial assets.