The Independent Living program at the Mobile campus is teaching older, teen-aged residents less
dependence on houseparents and social workers, Area Director Jim Chinners said.
Two boys, ages 18 and 19, have been living for about seven months in a two-bedroom apartment owned by the Children’s Homes. The facility adjoins Chinners’ residence about 10 miles from campus.
Chinners and social worker Sharon Whisonant make sure the boys do their own housekeeping. They also are required to budget a monthly food and clothing allowance, maintain steady employment, and remain
enrolled in a college or trade school. Both of the boys currently are enrolled at Bishop State Community College in Mobile.
“We don’t tell them what to buy with the food and clothing allowance we provide, but we do monitor their expenditures as they turn in receipts,” Chinners said. “We insist that they put 80 percent of their job earnings in the bank for savings, and they pay all of their phone and transportation expenses from their pay.”
In addition, the boys must meet individually with their social worker and turn in budget details on the first and 15th day of each month. They must participate in classroom instruction with other Children’s Homes residents.
Instructional topics include health, safety, money management, food preparation, job interview preparation, and wise work habits.
Plans call for construction of an Independent Living apartment for girls to be finished by Summer 2001,
Chinners said. Financial help is needed for the $200,000 project to include expansion of administrative offices at the Mobile campus. Call Bob Dewhurst or Steve Sellers at 888.720.8805 to give today.
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