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Ways to Help

Our Approach

At Project Self-Sufficiency of Northern Colorado, we believe in addressing the whole person. Our comprehensive support services go beyond childcare and education, extending to housing, mental health, and job placement for single parents. We understand that life’s challenges are interconnected, and so are our solutions.

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Who We Serve

Project Self-Sufficiency empowers low-income single parents in Larimer and Weld County to achieve self-sufficiency.

  • We serve approximately 140 families annually
  • 96% of participants are mothers
  • 62% of participants identify as Caucasian
  • Our program focuses on families earning below 225% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • Children in participating families are under 15 years old

By providing intensive support, we help parents build new career pathways and achieve their goals of economic independence.

About Us
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What to Expect

From the very beginning, every Participant is paired with an Advisor to create an empowering and trusting relationship, which is essential to building selfpower and confidence in order to reach goals. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of a single parent’s life is supported, from housing stability to mental wellness and employment, ensuring multigenerational, long-term impact.

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The SelfPower Model

The SelfPower Model is a comprehensive, multi-faceted program that empowers single parents through four key stages, all built upon that strong Advisor-Participant relationship:

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Stage 1: DISCOVER

Stabilize, Explore Career Options, Lay Foundation

Key resources and basic needs met for a healthy foundation in order to reach career goals and recognize SelfPower.

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  • Stabilize & Lay Foundation: Addressing immediate needs like housing, food, and healthcare creates a stable foundation for participants to focus on their career goals. Participants work with their Advisor to stabilize their family situation, ensuring basic needs are met.
  • Uncover Potential: Through strengths-based assessments and in-depth career counseling, participants explore their interests, identify their skills, and develop a personalized career plan.
  • Define Success: Participants calculate their Self-Sufficiency Wage, a crucial step in determining the income needed to support their family without relying on public assistance. This helps them set realistic and achievable financial goals.
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Stage 2: STRENGTHEN

Engage, Learn, Apply Skills, Balance Family Life

Accomplish educational goals to cultivate SelfPower as GEDs, Certificates, Degrees, and internships are completed, while maintaining a healthy family life.

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  • Engage & Learn: Participants actively pursue their chosen educational or training path, with dedicated support from their Advisor. This includes academic support, financial aid guidance, and developing essential life skills like budgeting and time management.
  • Balance Family Life: The Healthy Families Program provides a safety net, addressing critical needs like childcare and transportation, allowing parents to focus on their education while maintaining a healthy family life.
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STAGE 3: ACTUALIZE

Initiate Job Search, Career Prep, and Begin Family Transition to a New Life

SelfPower is fully realized, families are grounded in their new future and the rewarding job search is on, charting new territory in a career field.

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Career Placement: Participants actively engage in job search activities, with their Advisor as their key partner. This includes:
  • Resume and cover letter development: Crafting professional documents that showcase their skills and experience.
  • Job search strategies: Networking, interviewing, and leveraging online job boards.
  • Mentorship and career coaching: Guidance from experienced professionals and the Career Connections Committee.
  • Internship opportunities: Gaining valuable work experience and building professional connections.
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STAGE 4: LAUNCH

Graduate SelfPowered and Employed on a Chosen Career Path

Full transition into SelfPower. Long-term careers can begin, better income and stability become the new normal. This is the payoff for the grit and determination it takes to fully commit to full transformation through education.

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  • Transition to Self-Sufficiency: Participants successfully secure employment in their chosen career field and transition to greater economic independence.
  • Ongoing Support: Continued access to resources and support to maintain their career success and build a stable future for their families.