Community Partners
Only through the involvement of several crucial local agencies does the Center offer such a wide range of quality services to our guests. Partner organizations and individuals contribute time and expertise, allowing our guests access to the best resources in the community.
Memorial Hospital & Health System
By providing primary medical care at an on-site satellite clinic here at the Center, Memorial Hospital offers critical help to guests suffering from everything from a common cold to chronic illness. This South Bend hospital also designed and funds our Play, Exploration and Developmental Support (PEDS) program, which gives homeless children from birth to age three a unique opportunity to grow cognitively and socially during a critical phase in their development. Screenings, interventions and classes in positive parenting round out the service offered, and approaches are culturally competent, holistic and family-centered.
The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes
A preschool program for homeless children ages three to six operates in our Montessori classroom here at the Center five days a week for six hours a day. It is staffed by trained and certified Montessori Academy teachers and is the only Montessori program in the United States that specifically serves the homeless population. Eighth graders from the Academy at Edison Lakes come each Tuesday morning for classes and servicework.
South Bend Community School Corporation
The SBCSC provides school liaison services to all school-aged children at the Center. A case worker assists children in the enrollment process, assessment, and placement within the school system. The school social worker also assists in working with teachers to provide after school programming to address children's educational needs. In addition, the SBCSC provides adult education classes at the Center including GED preparation, computer training, and basic training courses.
