A member of the YouthBuild Global network, IYI meets each student where they are and focuses on academic, vocational, and personal development. The IYI Center for Family Self-Reliance brings a fundamental, family-based expansion in the delivery of Isles’ self-help services. The “Center” assesses and builds upon student and family needs and opportunities, aligning IYI students and their families,
as they work towards self-development based upon self-determined goals. The Center is responsive to the needs and opportunities of Trenton families who struggle with barriers to self-reliance. Its mission is “to engage IYI families and encourage them to establish and achieve their own family goals.” The Center tailors services around family and youth strengths and opportunities. A detailed list of the services available includes:
GED Readiness: Isles will assess the educational needs and aspirations of each family member. The center will expand its evening GED training by offering classes to family members and by creating an evening ESL class. Job Readiness and Career Development: IYI job developers will provide career interest inventories, training in resume writing and job sampling through internships for eligible family members. Financial Coaching: Through our financial arm, Isles Financial Solutions, eligible families will work closely with a coach who will help family members learn to better manage their money, make and keep a budget and save for their family’s future. Family Coaching and Case Management: This component includes traditional case management and referrals as well as family enrichment activities, life skills, and healthy living coaching. Health Education and Referral: The Center will provide home environmental evaluations to identify home conditions that may contribute to health-related illnesses. Isles will also provide family education about the dangers of lead and other toxins. Finally, families will access lead screening for their children along with follow-up counseling and advice on how to clean their homes. Housing Counseling: Isles is a certified housing counseling agency by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with no ties to realtors or mortgage companies. We work for you and offer free foreclosure prevention services including individual counseling and workshops on issues such as, loss mitigation and refinancing.
