Our Programs and Services

Housing, Food and After School Services:

The Drake House provides fully furnished private apartment homes to our families. Each apartment has a complete kitchen, furnishings, computer with internet access. All housing costs including utilities, insurance, and maintenance are provided for our families during their stay. The apartments are inspected each week to ensure compliance to the program.

Each apartment is supported by one of our Neighbor to Neighbor Partners. These partners take responsibility for the apartment and the family living in them. They provide further program support through advocacy and mentorship. (See more)

The Drake House provides a food pantry of fresh foods and produce – milk, meat, fruits, vegetables, and eggs; canned and dry goods; diapers; health and toiletry items; paper and cleaning supplies. Families complete their shopping list each week during their life skills class. Volunteers fill the request in order that the family will have food for the week. All pantry items are generously donated by the community – individuals, businesses, faith-based organizations, and civic groups. Grocery gift cards are used supplement fresh food purchased weekly. The pantry needs additional supplies during all school breaks as the children do not receive free or reduced breakfast or lunch during that time.

After School Enrichment (added Fall 2016) is provided at no cost for school aged children in the Drake Center class rooms after school and during scheduled teacher workdays and holiday. An After School Coordinator greets the children at the bus stop each afternoon, prepares a healthy snack, and arranges for enrichment activities. Tutoring is also provides with support of Fulton County School. Care is open until 7pm each weekday, allowing mothers flexibility in their work day and improving employment.

The housing program also includes access to a laundry facility. High-efficiency washers and dryers are located in the Drake Family and Learning Center and open seven days a week during the day and early evening. All laundry products are provided by the community.

Other services include MARTA passes. Many of our families do not have reliable transportation. The Drake House apartments are on the bus line and allow mothers easy access to several commercial districts for employment.

Life Skills Education:

All family members attend mandatory weekly life skills classes at The Drake Center. Life skills classes for the mothers address: budgeting/ financial literacy, parenting, health and wellness, boundary setting, organizational skills, and relationship skills. Volunteers provide dinner and care of preschool aged children. Tutors assist elementary and middle school students with homework. Middle and high school students participate in Junior Achievement Courses led by volunteers.

Teens participate in a Teen Life Skills and Enrichment programs on Monday and Tuesday evenings to focus on career exploration, money values, self-expression through art, soft skills for life success, strengthening peer relationships, diversity sensitivity, self-defense and stress management.

Career Counseling:

Mothers entering The Drake House are unemployed or underemployed. They lack sufficient income to meet all of the expenses of life in the North Fulton community. A Career Coach meets weekly with all unemployed or underemployed residents to assist with resume development, interviewing skills, skills development, career clothing, and job leads. The career coach also works to solicit employment partnerships to help improve employment opportunities.

Empowerment Program Planning:

Upon admission to The Drake House, the mother must create an empowerment plan and develop a goal plan with the family assessment manager. Weekly meetings are then held to prioritize the family’s goals and needs. The plans include employment goals and savings for transition to stable housing. Additionally, arrangements for other medical and social pro bono services are included in the plan.

Mentoring Program:

Moms and school aged children are matched with a volunteer mentor to support and encourage them during their stay. These mentors participate in a mandatory training program and background screening. Additionally, mentors may help in gathering gently used clothing for the family members, spend time in the kitchen together or enjoying other social activities.

Other Services

Graduate Program

Graduate families are invited to stay connected to receive support and enjoy fellowship with one another. Events are planned in accordance with the group’s goals and joint community activities are encouraged. This group connects and communicates via social media using a closed group.