Overview

First and foremost, Project Place is a community. When you come through our doors, we want you to know that we are here to support you. We respect the courage and history of our clients and we are committed to helping overcome barriers preventing change. What we offer is compassionate case management that looks at individuals as a whole and not just as a number or job candidate. Whether it is personal goals or professional development, Case Managers will be there to assist you.

Our wraparound case management supports every individual in our programming with one-on-one assistance. To those not quite ready to enroll, but who still need support, we also offer referrals to appropriate resources and providers. They may also be eligible for SPARRC. Case management includes support for needs that can break down into short-term (emergency), medium-term, long-term. Whether you are just starting your journey, you have setbacks and need to regroup or you’re well on you way and just need a push, case management can help.

Case Manager’s work alongside each client as they navigate new territory, a vulnerable time for many. They work tenaciously to encourage, guide, and celebrate the achievements each client makes along the way.

Pre Programming
Intake and assessment

The process begins with an initial intake. This also includes an assessment to help us determine the client’s abilities, needs and goals. The case manager works with resources at Project Place and also externally, to find personal supports, housing assistance, transportation needs, mental and physical health, benefit eligibility, etc.

We work with a very diverse group and have created resources to address many situations with special circumstances. Some examples include clients who are:

    • working on family issues; such as when a woman in a shelter needs to find childcare so she can attend classes.
    • newly released from incarceration in understanding the terms and requirements of parole
    • experiencing employment barriers: lack of work history, gaps in work, outdated skills
    • dealing with physical and mental health problems
    • in-recovery from substance use
    • returning to the community from military service
    • victims of domestic violence or other trauma
    • working to reunite with a child or children.

We are equipped to refer clients to services that aid them in resolving these issues, so they are freer to concentrate on making change.

Individual Development Plan

After determining needs through the intake and assessment, it’s important to lay out a plan. This plan will be critical for a client’s growth while in programming and beyond. This development plan will include the needs (things like what’s listed above) that have to be addressed, where the client stands now with their skills, and where they want to be in the future. This will help both staff and clients outline a path forward. And the plan isn’t set in stone. As change happens, so do goals and so do supports. There will be many chances to alter the course as someone develops and learns more about themselves. To make sure the plan will be a success, Case Managers work closely with the education staff to coordinate the classroom experience. This helps provide a more unique program for each person.

During Programming
Regular case management time

As someone progresses through our programs, one thing will always remain the same. Our Case Managers are there to provide guidance, no matter what. The role of a client’s Case Manager is to advocate on their behalf and help develop a network of support that will lead to success. To do this, client’s meet with their Case Manager regularly for dedicated 1:1 time. These can focus on different topics, they can be used as feedback sessions, check-ins, plan revisions, concerns, comments, etc. Most importantly, they are a dedicated time to connect with another individual.

Coordination of needs

Based on your development plan, progress, and meetings, Case Managers will advocate on your behalf and/or help you understand and navigate how to receive the necessary support. The goal of the support network is so that each person has the resources they need to succeed in the long-term. Succeeding in Project Place is important, and we want to see it, but we also want our clients to continue that success after. This includes access for new, emergency needs like finding shelter, groceries, clothing for interviews or in general, transportation costs, etc. It also includes setting up benefits, looking for long term housing, searching for employment, finding childcare, parole adherence, etc.

We have an extensive range of partners throughout Greater Boston. We believe in collaboration and that let’s us provide more resources than many organizations. Veterans, women, parents, those in recovery, those who’ve been incarcerated, and many other situations are ones we have resources to address. We work with local partners, residential treatment programs, support centers, the Suffolk County House of Correction, government and state agencies, employers, and more to bring in whatever a client needs to stay healthy and focused on change.

Post Programming
Continued engagement

Graduation is not the end! Whether someone moves on to employment, decides to go for more education or a degree or isn’t able to finish programming for some reason, the Project Place community is there for them. Our standard case management continues for 2 years after, but there are many clients who stay in touch for much longer and we love it. As you’ll hear many times, we want clients to succeed. Succeed in employment, in finding housing, in their personal goals, and in financial ways. Whether it’s just to reach out and stay connected, for progress reports or for additional case management support, our Case Managers are there to help.

Enrichment opportunities

Another reason we reach out is for additional opportunities to improve. We are always forming new partnerships, hearing back from employers, and discovering new opportunities. If there are programs, classes, workshops or anything like that that we find could be useful we will take the opportunity to reach out. By staying in touch, clients will not only retain all of the access to our regular case management and services, but they will also be able to take advantage of our constantly growing catalogue of professional opportunities.