Yolanda Farris
When I was accepted into Perspectives, it was the first time that I received comprehensive psychological support to create a new life for myself and my son. I cried when I moved into a fully furnished apartment with my son. This was my last chance, and I was determined to live by the rules.
ST. LOUIS, Minn. (PRWEB) May 24, 2023
Perspectives is Minnesota’s largest therapeutic supportive housing program for women and children who have experienced long-term trauma, addiction, homelessness, mental illness, and poverty. As a former client of Perspectives, Yolanda Farris understands addiction, poverty, and despair. With a history of childhood trauma and grief, substance abuse was a way to block painful memories and intense emotions.
“When I was accepted into Perspectives, it was the first time that I received comprehensive psychological support to create a new life for myself and my son,” said Ms. Farris. “I cried when I moved into a fully furnished apartment where my son could have his own room. This was my last chance, and I was determined to live by the rules.”
“Yolanda’s willpower and commitment to Perspectives was evident throughout her time as a client,” remarked Jeannie Seeley-Smith, Perspectives CEO. “She became a model resident, who encouraged other women to stay sober, so that they could remain in Perspectives housing and keep custody of their children. It was obvious that she could become an asset to our team.”
Since 2016, Yolanda Farris has been a peer support specialist, who meets with clients when they enter the program. She delights in being able to give them the keys to their own furnished apartment. She directs a recovery support group and meets with clients one-on-one every week. Because she lives on the Perspectives campus, she is available to residents when they need guidance and support.
Perspectives systematically addresses the growing need for early intervention programming for children while providing comprehensive services for mothers. Perspectives children’s services include a year-round academic and social enrichment program. The Cargill Kids Cafe provides lunch and dinner to children living at the Perspectives housing campus five days a week during the school year. A summer program serves breakfast and lunch.
Funding the Future:
The Kids Cafe is still growing. Perspectives is in the middle of a capital campaign to expand Perspectives’ Family Center (site of Kids Cafe) by 16,000 square feet. This new 38,000-square-foot state-of-the-art center will shine within the city of St. Louis Park as a beacon of hope to those who have been disenfranchised.
About Perspectives:
Perspectives is known as a national model, providing comprehensive mental health services for women and children emerging from homelessness and addiction. Perspectives proven track record demonstrates the disruption of cycles of dysfunctional lifestyles through a holistic approach that includes trauma-informed care, therapeutic services, supportive housing, and comprehensive children’s programming. For more information, please contact Annemarie Osborne at 949.237.2906 or annemarieosborne7@gmail.com or Jacqueline Michaud at 952.405.2529, jmichaud@perspectives-family.org or visit https://www.perspectives-family.org/.
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