The BARN Story

BARN, Helping Women Transition

Special report on homelessness

 

BristowEnews.com staff writer recently met with Jennifer L. Wilkinson, Community Development Director for the Transitional Housing BARN, Inc., a temporary housing and support services to homeless women and children located in Bristow, Virginia. Often referred as the "BARN" among the locals here, the BARN offers single women with children the opportunity to start a new life. Women come here from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds, and socio-economic status. The BARN is a haven of hope and a path to self-sufficiency. There are currently three "Neighborhoods", each is comprised of a communal living room, kitchen facility, play area, and each family has their own large bedroom. There are four families within each "Neighborhood. The BARN can accommodate a maximum of twelve families.

Homelessness is a concern in the Prince William County and the demand for affordable housing is so great that for every family the BARN accepts, they turn away fourteen families. According to Jennifer about 53% of the homeless are children. The families that come through this program come from areas of Manassas, Manassas City, Prince William County, Fauquier County, and occasionally from the Fairfax County areas.

Women who come to the BARN never had a mother, grandmother, or aunt as a role model. The BARN provide access to special services such as mental, life and family counseling in addition to anger management, communication and parenting skills. The BARN is currently staffed with a full-time case manager which works with the moms and a Child Development specialist, who works with children. BARN also relies on the generosity of volunteers to help children with reading, language and developmental skills. The typical ages of the moms coming into the program are from nineteen to forty-eight years old and the ages of children from infant to ten years although on certain occasions they will accept children as old as twelve.

The BARN is currently in need of volunteers and financial support. Jennifer mentioned in addition to the normal wear and tear, the apartments need updated plumbing, functional kitchen appliances in addition to the need of new building roofs. The BARN is a unique place and sanctuary for transitional moms and the children. It provides safety, shelter, security, and is nestled in the tranquil acreage of the Saint Benedictine Monastery farm. The organization needs volunteers to help children with reading and occasionally local businesses offer services at a discounted rate.

The BARN recently launched two new programs this year:

1. Adopt-A-Grad Program, where generous donors can donate furniture and other provisions for furnishing the mom's new apartment.
2. Life Coach Program, where volunteers can donate and mentor their time in helping moms prepare in transitioning and becoming self-sufficient.

The non-profit organization is currently planning the largest fund-raising event and scheduled for November 2007. The details will be posted another series of this news magazine. Jennifer Wilkinson wishes to solicit contributions and donations for their upcoming fund-raising in Westfield, Chantilly, Virginia. To contribute your resources and time in this charitable event contact Jennifer L. Wilkinson at 703-369-1325 ext 11.

BARN Milestones and Accomplishments

The BARN was founded in 1996 by the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia and opened its door to the homeless women and children of Prince William County in 1997. The BARN is celebrating ten years of proven solutions for self-sufficiency. It has helped one-hundred twelve (112) women and two-hundred thirteen children (213) over the course of ten years. Among the other significant accomplishments that the BARN has offered the community:

1. 16 Moms have acquired driver's licenses
2. 59 Families received donated vehicles
3. 11 Mothers attended college level courses
4. 10 Mothers took vocational training
5. 13 Mothers took preparatory classes and passed their GED
6. 9 Children were assessed through Child Find Services
7. 100% who have completed the program moved to permanent housing
8. 11 former residents are now homeowners in Prince William County and another owns her own residence in Arizona.
9. Residents of the neighborhood have save $200k in program escrow, funds for security deposit and housing.
10. 22 Credit Smart Classes taught each year.
11. The average income of moms entering the program is $937/month. The exiting income averages $1,720.00 per month.

The BARN is located at 9541 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, Virginia 20136. The URL is http://www.barninc.org.

 

Date Published: 2007-06-20 06:00:00

Section: Local News, Photos: Barn Story, BARN, BARN,