Plan for Independence

Ministry Coordinator:  Helen McCullough

Our Ministry

The Plan for Independence Ministry provides mentors for the Loretto House transitional housing program for single women. These mentors provide weekly support during the transition from temporary housing to independent living. Volunteers are trained to be mentors for the clients and assist the client with writing and managing long term goals to support: 1) attaining permanent housing, 2) achieving greater self determination, 3) and increasing skills and/or income. A specific process for setting and tracking goals on a weekly basis is followed. The client receives one-on-one coaching through their housing transition. The client knows they have a confidant who has their best interest at heart, can assist them with breaking down roadblocks to their efforts, and basically provides the structure to learn independent life skills.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are needed to:

• Mentor Clients
• Upon successful completion of this program (1 year), each client needs assistance with furniture and getting setup in their 1 bedroom apartment. Donations of furniture, kitchen appliances, bedding, etc. are welcome.
• Help a client move

Volunteer Now, online!

Volunteer Meetings

There are no specific meetings for this ministry, but volunteers are welcome to attend the monthly CORE meetings for ministry coordinators, ministry volunteers, and interested parishioners on the first Monday evening of each month.  See CORE Meetings.

Volunteer Statement

As a mentor who has completed my first year and saw the successful growth of my client, I am overwhelmed. I am proud of my client and her work to achieve her goals. I am moved by the community support that provides subsidized housing for these women. At the same time, I am discouraged. The size of the problem is great, and the need for affordable housing in DuPage is great. This is a community problem that can be solved, and one-on-one goal setting, tracking and client accountability is the first step. Helen McCullough