"God never refuses grace to those who ask it."

The Catherine McAuley Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, promotes the well-being and dignity of individuals in need by providing basic education for adults and a housing program for women.

The Center provides two distinct programs:
• A transitional housing program to provide unaccompanied women with a safe place to live.
• An adult basic education program to guide and improve the lives of both men and women.

Transitional Housing Program:

The Catherine McAuley Transitional Housing Program is unique in Iowa, providing unaccompanied women over the age of 18 with a safe place to live and individualized program of guidance to help stabilize their lives.

When women enter the program, their most immediate needs are for shelter, food and or clothing. Once here, they begin to address other issues that may have contributed to their homelessness: mental or emotional health issues, substance abuse, confinement or probation within the judicial system, relationship problems and / or the inability to maintain employment. The women who come to the Center are highly vulnerable – economically, physically, psychologically and socially.

For those with substance abuse and/or mental health problems, there is a case manager onsite from the Area Substance Abuse Council. Referrals are also made to other appropriate agencies. The Catherine McAuley Transitional Housing Program is highly successful in helping women reach their goals. Almost all of those who complete the program move into independent living situations.

In fiscal 2005 the Catherine McAuley Center provided 4,407nights shelter to 45 women.

Adult Basic Education Program

The Adult Basic Education program provides free one-on-one tutoring for adult women and men. We offer extended weekday hours to allow for evening tutoring sessions. A childcare room is available while parents study at the McAuley Center.

Assisted by staff members, volunteer tutors and a variety of materials, adult students study at their own level and pace. They may come to the Catherine McAuley Center to prepare for the GED test, study English as a Second Language (ESL), improve basic math skills, language skills or develop basic computer skills.

The Center’s immigrant/refuge coordinator provides ESL instruction and case management services to help make a smooth transition to community life and grow in self-esteem.

In fiscal 2005 the Catherine McAuley Center assisted 180 adult students from 33 different countries with basic education needs.

Catherine McAuley Center links
www.catherinemcauleycenter.com

                                                                                                         "We should be as shining lamps, giving light to all."