These children may be homeless, abused, abandoned, neglected, or caught up in an insurmountable family conflict. Because of the emergency nature of the situations, admission procedures are streamlined so these children can be accepted almost immediately.
The ACHRC is working to establish a state-of-the art, family-style cottage that can accommodate up to 12 children at a time. It will be staffed with child care workers who will work in shifts. Our emergency shelter care provides for the children’s food, clothing, shelter, transportation, education, spiritual needs, etc. When a child is living in our shelter, one of our social workers/case workers develops a service plan and meets with all of the interested parties — the child, |
|
his or her family, other social service agencies, court personnel, etc. — to arrange for counseling if warranted, to advocate on the child’s behalf, and to decide what long-term living arrangements would be in the child’s best interest. Our house parents lovely christian individuals and couples who have been through a rigorous screening process including criminal history background checks; fingerprinting and training.
Children in our care are encouraged to maintain relationships with family and friends when possible. They have access to our professional counselors if needed, and we will meet their medical as well as spiritual, emotional and physical needs. We work with all involved to ensure the best possible care for every child in our ministry.
Beneficiaries are able to stay longer than at most shelters, which gives our shelter staff time to help them access appropriate support services based on their individual needs and circumstances.
Referrals are accepted from individuals themselves, hospitals, community service providers, health-care practitioners, employment assistance workers and other local shelters. One of the first things that people need after being forced to flee their homes, due to disaster, is some kind of a roof over their head. Providing shelter is a priority for ACHRC.
Our shelter program is designed to help children recover from family violence during a critical stage of development in their lives, and to help families stabilize.
We help people who are experiencing homelessness. Our services include case management, beds, showers, evening meals, laundry, basic personal necessities, message and mail service, storage of personal belongings, and transportation. Related social services provided on site include counseling and filing assistance, basic educational tutoring, health screening, TB testing and education, veteran’s benefit assessment, behavioral health assessments and referrals to job preparedness programs and permanent and transitional housing.
Working in Kumasi Metropolitan area in the republic of Ghana, ACHRC has been filling an important need by providing a safe, warm place for children and youth who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
When they arrive, children are often hungry, dirty, sick, or have injuries that require medical treatment. All are emotionally traumatized and in need of special attention to make them feel safe again. Much more than a roof over their heads, ACHRC provides the structure, support, and professional guidance these children need to begin the healing process.
Our Emergency Care Shelter provides vital services to hurting children in areas where we operate:
- Nutritious food – 3 daily meals and snacks
- Clothing and shoes (Most children come to the shelter with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing.)
- An overall caring and nurturing environment
- Therapeutic counseling services to address each child’s unique trauma and emotional needs
- Comprehensive medical care through our on-site pediatrician’s office
- Monthly dental services
- Abuse Prevention Education
- Structured educational support, including tutoring, homework help, books, school supplies, education technology, and regular communication with students’ guidance counselors and teachers
- Early childhood education services, which includes educational assessments and instruction for all children under age 5
- Recreational activities and outings to keep children active and engaged
|
