PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL

SPAN's first and core service, it links the single parent to professionals and agencies with which SPAN has established a liaison for assistance, e.g. legal, medical, financial. 

CRISIS INTERVENTION

SPAN offers support, assistance and/or referral to professionals, where necessary.

FOOD AND CLOTHING DISTRIBUTION OUTLET

Another practical help to single parent families - SPAN offers gently used clothing free of charge to any in need; food hampers are available for single parent families. We receive ongoing support from Community Food Sharing with whom we are affiliated. Many retail stores also donate new clothing from older stock. In addition to this, many groups and individuals support the Outlet with donations of food, clothing, toys, books and small household items. 

• WHO CAN USE THIS SERVICE?
  Food hampers are available to single parent families only; clothing is given to any in need.
• WHAT DO I NEED TO ACCESS THIS SERVICE?
  To register for food hampers only, single parents must present MCP cards for each family member, as well as some proof of single parent status e.g. drug card, child tax benefit summary, custody papers.
• WHEN IS IT AVAILABLE?
  The Outlet is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10:00 am - 1 pm, and 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. (NOTE: Hamper requests must be made by 2:45 pm.)
• Hampers - single parent families are eligible for hampers every 30 days; clothing may be taken every two weeks, enough to fill a large plastic bag at a time.

PROM DREAMS PROJECT

Thanks to the support of the general public, we are able to provide "lovingly used" formal dresses, suits, shoes, and other accessories, free of charge to young people for their proms. The items are distributed to any in need through the SPAN Outlet. It is not restricted to single parent families. The general public are invited to use this support as well, free of charge.

SINGLE PARENT EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT PROGRAM

Early in 1998, SPAN entered into a partnership with the Provincial Department of Advanced Education and Skills (formerly Department of Social Services, HRLE) to institute a program to assist single parents in receipt of social assistance to reenter the workforce.  Participants take part in 5 weeks of half day classes which cover job search skills and personal competencies needed when working.  The earned income supplement, assistance in job search, recognition of the real costs of working, combined with the sensitive supports provided by SPAN have enabled over 1500 single parents to obtain employment. Approximately 32% of clients, by their third year, no longer need any income support.

• WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
  Participants are single parents on income support
- PLEASE NOTE: We cannot accept clients who are currently receiving EI payments.
• WHEN DO CLASSES START?
  The program runs 4 groups per year. Start dates are mid-September,late October, mid-February, and early-May.

SESP is available is to single parents in St. John's and surrounding areas & at our Carbonear office for single parents in the Conception Bay North area.

SPAN published a low-cost, heart-healthy, nutritiously sound cookbook entitled "Eat To Your Heart's Content" in 1992. Margaret Harnum, a single parent who has been involved with SPAN since it's inception, authored the book with professional collaboration from Annette Stapenhorst, R.D. This has proven to be a valuable resource as it offers economical, practical tips and recipes which are tasty, healthy and low cost. Copies may be obtained at SPAN office or by mail for a cost of $10 (no tax)

BACK TO SCHOOL PROJECT

School-age children (in Kindergarten-age 17) of lower income, single parent families are provided with a grade appropiate school supplies and bookbags. These kits are distributed in time for the start of the new school year in September.  Sneakers are also provided to students attending Kindergarten to Grade Six.

Single parents are eligible to register by telephone provided they meet one of the following:  (1) are a SESP Client, (2) used the previous years' Christmas prgram, (3)  used the most recent Back to School Program or (4) ar registered with the SPAN Food & Clothing Outlet.

 For others who have not had the above contacts with SPAN, in-person registration will be required. For further information regarding registration and date call the general office at 738-3401 by early July. 

CHRISTMAS SUPPORT

In partnership with many local businesses, organizations and individuals, SPAN provides many single parent families with much needed help at Christmas by supplying food and gifts.

PARENT EFFECTIVENESS TRAINING

              This is the internationally known and respected program which provides parents with the communication skills they need to create better parent-child relationships.  This service is offered by SPAN to any who are interested, not just single parents.  Classes are held one evening a week for eight consecutive weeks and will be offered when there is sufficient interest.  Contact SPAN at 738-3401 for more information.