EL PASO CENTER FOR CHILDREN INC

Other program services: emergency sheltershelter services at the el paso center for children meet the basic emergencyshelter needs of runaway and homeless youth, foster youth, and youth without legal status. The centers staff across programs are trained in and experienced with working with victims of trafficking. The shelter is designed to offer culturally relevant, trauma-informed, age and developmentally appropriate, and strengths-based services from intake through aftercare and ensure the facilities are safe and secure. Services are provided in compliance with texas health and human services licensing standards for general residential operations. During 2024, the program served approximately 54 youths who were provided 1,067 nights of care.

The texas home visiting program empowers parents to be the primary educator of their children by guiding them in addressing school readiness and strengthening their family unit. The home visitor provides families with learning tools and activities for parents to work with their child. They also provide basic needs assistance, referrals for additional mental health support and self sufficiency needs such as employment and concrete services. The program served 103 families during 2024.

The transitional living program provides runaway and homeless youth (rhy) ages 16-17 who are emancipated and 18-22 year-olds with culturally relevant, trauma-informed services grounded in positive youth development and a strengths-based approach. The youth are provided rental assistance for up to 18 months along with intensive case management, mentorship and permanent connections, and other support services as needed.clients served: 44

The drop-in center works with survivors of trafficking, youth victims of other crimes, and youth who are at high risk of sexual exploitation. Youth accessing the center are provided with a welcoming, safe, drop-in center at which they can access showers, clothes washer/dryer, emergency meals, rest, and a comprehensive array of supports customized to their stage of readiness for change. During 2024, the program served approximately 130 clients.

Therapeutic homes - the center offers therapeutic foster care for childrenand adolescents with moderate to severe emotional and behavioraldisturbances. During 2024,the program served approximately 27 youths whowere provided 3,296 nights of care.

The rapid rehousing program serves 17-24 year olds who are homeless. Many of these youth find themselves without a strong support system and need additional coaching and assistance to transition to self-sufficiency and a healthy, productive adulthood. The program offers long-term housing support of up to 12 months of rental assistance along with case management and other support services.households served: 20

The fatherhood effects (educating fathers for empowering children tomorrow) program aims to support fathers, stepfathers, or father figures and increase availability and accessibility of services and resources. The program provides a structure to increase self sufficiency, strengthen attachments skills, and gain resiliency, social and emotional connection, knowledge on child development, along with accessing important resources such as mental health and concrete services. The program began its implmentation year in late 2024 serving 18 fathers.

Specialized foster care offers therapeutic foster care for children and adolescents with moderate to severe emotional and behavioral disturbances and survivors of human trafficking. During 2023, the program served approximately 8 youth who were provided 1,989 nights of care.

The street outreach program provides crisis intervention to youth who are homeless, runaway, and/or victims of human trafficking. The team has a specific focus on supporting youth in accessing a wide array of emergency services such as food, showers, washing clothes, and case management both on the street and through our drop-in center. Youth are provided guidance on accessing emergency shelter, long-term housing, and counseling.clients served: 59

Border collaborative to strengthen and preserve families is a program funded by the children's bureau, administration of children, youth and families, u.s. Department of health and human services. The program aims to strengthen families by providing parent cafes and system navigation services to as many participants as possible within five targeted zip codes in el paso county. By strengthening families and meeting their needs, families gain resiliency, social and emotional connection, and are more willing to seek out services to assist them through the difficult times. In 2023, 1,281 participants were serviced either by attending a parent cafe workshop or by receiving resource navigation services.