We have many services at the SFBFS that can help our families thrive. (See list of Programs) In addition to those, the Havens Transitional Living Program provides financial literacy classes designed to help families attain wealth creation and empowerment for a lifetime of achievement. These “ A Circle of Wealth” classes, taught in conjunction with “A Positive Force Leadership Development Corporation,” help our families improve credit, budget money, help with home ownership, buying a car, etc. These classes are taught in both English and Spanish (with a translator).

Our families enjoy fun get-togethers, like barbeques, pot lucks and holiday parties to keep the feeling of goodwill and a united community.

We partner with other agencies to bring needed services and support for our families, like counseling, psychiatric help, family advocacy and school supplies. And, there is a Police Sub Station anchored in the middle of our community to support a safe family oriented environment in our neighborhood.

Havens Transitional Living Program requires each family to have an independent source of income and to save a portion of that income each month to use as a nest egg when they leave the Program. We are a clean and sober program. There are mandatory meetings and regular house checks to make sure homes are clean and neat.

What are the results?
Seventy-five percent of the families who have been in our program, in the past year, acquired both permanent housing and employment when they departed. Even those who were not completely successful made progress in improving their educational and living skills while in the program. By staying in touch with families. after they leave the program, we help them to maintain the stability they have achieved in the Sacramento Food Bank Tradition.

How we do it?
SFBFS Havens Transitional Living, like all SFBFS programs, depends on active and committed volunteers in order to operate. Mentor recruitment is our highest priority, but our volunteers also work in many other capacities ranging from home repair to arranging trips to the zoo. Mentors are mature individuals from all walks of life who want to share what they have learned. By listening, caring, encouraging, and just being there, members have the power to transform lives. They meet in the families' homes or in the community doing things they enjoy. The commitment is one of consistency.

The SFBFS homes, in which the families live, are also the product of generous past donations. The furniture and household items, that families receive, are brought to us by thoughtful donors. We also depend on the community to provide the other items needed by clients entering the work force. These items include such things as; alarm clock & watches, calculators & appointment books, and telephones & answering machines.

For more information, contact the Program Manager: Marie-Louise Nelson.