Interfaith Family Services

CHILDCARE: 0-5 Childcare: Since September/October 2020, Interfaith has operated our onsite state-licensed Moody Family Childcare Center for children ages 0-5. The Center is open Monday Friday 6:30 am to 6:30 pm when working parents (especially single moms) need it most. The Center ensures that mom or dad can participate in our coaching program that aids them in securing living wage employment and setting/achieving financial goals while knowing that their children are safe. All teachers and childcare staff are licensed according to the state requirements, and we utilize the nationally regarded Frog Street curriculum, which not only provides early learning support but also helps young with socio-emotional development.

YOUTH SERVICES:Program for School-Aged Children: Interfaith has a 37-year history of helping homeless children defy the odds through its Hope & Horizons Afterschool and Summer Program. Individual contributions and grants from foundations, churches and nonprofits underwrite our afterschool and summer program for school-aged children. During the school year, Hope & Horizons takes place Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:30 pm. During the summer, Hope & Horizons takes place from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Last year, an outstanding 85% of children in the Hope & Horizons Program exited with one or more grade level improvement in reading, and 81% improved one or more grade levels in math. The success is expected to endure as nearly 85% of 2022 students remained on the A or B honor roll one year later. Additionally, 85% exited the program with increased confidence and aspirations.

FINANCIAL COACHINGInterfaith clients are required to complete on average 15 financial coaching sessions. Our financial coaching program is supported by two groups: our paid success coaches (case managers) and our volunteer financial coaches. Our full-time success coaches conduct the first four financial coaching sessions. First, they pull and review credit reports. Second, they help the client develop a reasonable budget. Third, savings and debt-reduction plans are established. Lastly, a post-Interfaith budget is created after graduation. Thereafter, clients are transitioned to a weekly, one-hour financial coaching session with volunteer financial coaches for the remainder of the program. Our clients experienced outstanding results last year, with 98% of Interfaith families graduating with employment at an average wage of $18.49 per hour. A full 84% of families saved an average of $830.11, 95% of families exited with permanent housing, 73% completed 15 required coaching sessions, and 72% reduced financial debt. The success is expected to last as 91% of families completing the program in 2022 remained employed one year later and 54% continued to save one year later. As a result, we save Dallas taxpayers approximately $5 million each year.We served 180 families (including 272 youth clients) through our transitional housing program and non-residential program. 98% of these families entered the program living at or below the federal poverty line.