BRANCH OF THE VINCENTIAN FAMILY INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT: SSVP Rockville Centre

NAME OF SYSTEMIC CHANGE PROJECT: Uplift

PROJECT ADDRESS: 249 Broadway, Bethpage, New York 11714

CONTACT PERSON: Anne Smith

PROJECT WEBSITE: http://www.svdprvc.org/what-we-do/uplift.html

LENGTH OF TIME THE PROJECT/PROGRAM HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE: 20 years

Uplift is a program developed in 1990 by Vincentians to provide financial assistance and financial management skills to eligible families. Participants can receive an average of $200-$400 a month for up to two years as they work towards achieving self-sufficiency. The program requires agreement on establishment of goals and process by the family and the mentoring conference. Progress is reviewed monthly and participants are encouraged to take control of their own future.

The concept was discussed by the Council with the District Councils and the Conferences. It was decided that it would be led by the Districts with the formation of an Uplift Committee comprised of representatives from each Conference. Each participating Conference pledged funds to the program and in return could recommend cases to the Program Committee. The Committee determines which cases they will handle. The Committee issues the checks. Food, furniture and clothing if needed, are also provided through our Conferences and our thrift store operation.

The Committee survives as structured above. Case mentoring remains with the local Conference. Conferences meet monthly with participants to review the family’s progress in achieving their goals. Failure by the family to live up to their agreement can cause the Committee to drop them from the program. Conferences report back to the District Committee on a quarterly basis.

The program is a collaborative effort financed by the Conferences, District Councils and Diocesan Central Council. It is an extension of our normal efforts to provide emergency assistance where needed. It takes a step towards breaking the cycle of poverty by allowing participants to become self-sufficient by taking ownership of their lives. It returns self-esteem to the individuals.

The program is a collaborative effort financed by the Conferences, District Councils and Diocesan Central Council. It is an extension of our normal efforts to provide emergency assistance where needed. It takes a step towards breaking the cycle of poverty by allowing participants to become self-sufficient by taking ownership of their lives. It returns self-esteem to the individuals.

Uplift was detailed to the SVdP USA National office as a best practice. A number of Councils/Districts/Conferences have established their own programs based on this Rockville Centre model.




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