Generational Opportunities to Achieve Long-term Success (GOALS)

The Arapahoe County Department of Human Services, in partnership with Family Tree and other key partners, designed an innovative program that provides bridge housing and wrap-around supportive services to better the outcomes for both parents and children.

A Structured Residential Program

GOALS is not a homeless shelter or a rehab facility. 

GOALS is a four-to-nine month structured residential program (located on the Oxford Vista campus in Aurora) for families seeking to gain and enhance the skills and resources needed to achieve economic self-sufficiency for themselves and their families. Up to 20 families can be housed at a time and have access to diverse services, including:

• Individualized case management
• Employment Services
• Early Childhood Education and Support for Academic Achievement
• Mental and Physical Health Services
• Social Network Development
• Parenting and Family Function Education

Take a closer look. See what GOALS will offer families under one roof.

The Two-Generation (2Gen) Approach

We will move families from poverty and homelessness to economic security and stable permanent housing using an integrated 2Gen approach. While there are many good programs in our community that focus on poverty, most focus solely on low-income adults or solely on their children, ignoring the fact that economic and social challenges affect the entire family. The Aspen Institute supports a 2Gen approach to serving families and recommends it as a solid framework to design a program and break the cycle of poverty.

Learn more about the 2Gen Approach and our programs that support it.

Transforming Lives

Wrap-around support for families can be transformative. Critically behind in child support payments and struggling to co-parent his children with his ex-wife, Nate has learned how to be a better father, co-parent and financial supporter through 2-Gen programs.

Meet Nate and his family in this short video

GOALS Emphasis on Bridge Housing

The demand for affordable housing for adults and families struggling to overcome homelessness is critically high throughout the Denver Metro area. One-third of the homeless population consists of families with children, and homelessness greatly increases the risk of children and youth entering the child welfare system.

By addressing housing needs first, families can remain intact and the well-being of children, youth and their parents is substantially improved. 

Leadership

Our leadership committee provides extensive input and feedback on the elements desired in the program.

Contacts

Scott Shields, Family Tree, Chief Executive Officer
Email Scott Shields | 303-403-5888

Cheryl Ternes, Arapahoe County Department of Human Services, Director
Email Cheryl Ternes | 303-636-1899

Georjette Dhliwayo, Arapahoe County Department of Human Services, Project Manager
Email Georjette Dhliwayo | 303-636-1720

Susie Street, The Family Tree, Division Director for Housing and Family Stabilization Services
Email Susie Street