Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a voluntary, two-year program that includes job training, career planning, and financial literacy education, such as budgeting, saving, and establishing good credit.
Participants may earn up to $10,000 in an interest-bearing escrow account as they achieve educational and employment-related goals.
When they graduate from FSS, participants may use these funds as they wish.
To graduate, FSS program participants must achieve all of the goals in their career plan, no longer receive government cash assistance, and work at least 32 hours a week.
Bridges to Career Opportunities
This program helps participants pursue certifications for careers as a Certified Nursing Assistant or in the fields of Customer Service or Information Technology and obtain support, such as financial coaching, to set long-term goals and help manage expenses during training.
Participants receive three weeks of instruction at the SDHC Achievement Academy on topics such as:
- Basic Adult Education Services;
- Career and Training Skills;
- Workforce Development;
- Financial Literacy; and
- Employment Services.
This is followed by vocational training in the campus of a specialized educational program partner, including:
- Tuition-free specialized training
- Transportation assistance; and
- Help with uniforms and other training supplies.
Participants who complete the vocational training program receive additional support, which may include assistance with additional certifications and continued job search assistance.
The SDHC Achievement Academy received a grant of $190,000 over three years from the national Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), funded by the Citi Foundation, to provide the Bridges to Career Opportunities program.
Power of One
Power of One is a year-long program specifically designed for single parents of children ages 16 and under and who are currently receiving federal rental assistance.
Participants receive access to career and financial planning resources and workshops.
This program also provides support such as matched savings, back-to-school supplies, family-oriented holiday celebrations, flexible class schedules, and one-on-one case support.
2Gen San Diego
The SDHC Achievement Academy’s 2Gen San Diego program assists 60 families with children up to age 8 who receive federal rental assistance from SDHC and live in the City Heights neighborhood.
The 2Gen San Diego program provides participating families with opportunities in four key areas:
- Financial Stability
- Health & Wellness
- Education & Employment
- Social Capital
The SDHC Achievement Academy launched this program with funds from a three-year $780,000 grant awarded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in July 2016 to provide multigenerational services to low-income families.
In its first year, 2Gen San Diego focused on program enrollment, development of program services, and community partnerships.
In partnership with Microsoft, three events were held, at which participating families received:
- A Dell Inspiron 11 laptop/tablet and one-on- one computer training from Microsoft employees
- An eight-week small-business training with Landeros & Associates
- A “Money Bunny” session in which the program’s child participants learned about saving money and making financial-related crafts
Reading for Success
The SDHC Achievement Academy is participating in the national Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, which encourages reading among children in low-income families.
Approximately 1,500 children’s books have been donated to the SDHC Achievement Academy Children’s Library, a lending library for children living in households that receive federal rental assistance or reside in public housing.
In addition, SDHC established a partnership with the San Diego Public Library and created a summer reading program with incentives, provided by the library, for rental assistance and public housing families.
