case Management 

photo by: Isaac Smith
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Our case management uses a holistic approach based on evidence-based models. Using motivational interviewing, participants’ strengths and supports are identified to help overcome barriers. Participants are encouraged and guided as they work to meet extrinsic goals such as financial, academic, vocational and housing, and intrinsic goals related to relationships and support systems, spiritual growth, and mental and physical health.  

Every family in OHP’s program participates in the following partner programs:
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• Blue Ridge Community Action (BRCA): Families must graduate from BRCA’s Circles™ program, a national evidence-based program that seeks to end poverty by equipping participants with the skills, network, and confidence to thrive. 
  
  
• Burke County United Way: Families complete the United Way’s Financial Empowerment Program, which takes a comprehensive approach to supporting individuals on a path toward financial stability. Participants receive a one-on-one assessment of their financial situation; one-on-one support to develop a personalized financial goal plan outlining concrete steps to improve their finances; and ongoing, long-term support as they work toward these goals. 
  
  
• Coach William Moore’s Personal Credit Coaching:  Participants work with our credit coach each month during their time in the program to improve credit worthiness.  Not all participants will need credit coaching, but those that do will be provided credit monitoring and coaching services until they are home-buyer ready.   
  
  
• Olive Hill Community Economic Development Corporation: Families complete a first-time homebuyers course offered by Olive Hill, which has been serving Burke County for more than 25 years. 
  
  
• Phifer Family YMCA: OHP offers our participants a membership with the YMCA at a reduced cost to encourage healthy, active habits. ​

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION

photo by: Radisson US
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The Open Hearts Place program is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, we help participants set and reach their identified goals. Oftentimes participants find their journey toward financial stability involves identifying new career or education pathways, and we help them access programs to enhance their skills, knowledge and earning potential. That can include: 

• Vocational training: Learn new skills or improve existing ones to qualify for better-paying jobs
• Continuing education: Pursue additional education or certifications to advance their career
• Career counseling: Receive guidance on identifying career paths, writing resumes and interviewing effectively
• Employment workshops: Participate in workshops focused on job search strategies, networking and interview preparation

financial counseling

photo by: Micheile Henderson
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​​Since a goal of OHP's program is to help families attain self-sufficiency with an eye toward homeownership, financial counseling is a critical part of our program to address areas like budgeting, debt management, and financial planning. This financial counseling aspect prioritizes partnership with other community agencies:

• A mortgage lender helps participants submit a mortgage application to identify baseline readiness for obtaining a home loan.
  
  
• A Credit Coach assists participants learn how to improve their credit.
  
  
• Burke County United Way's Financial Empowerment Program helps build financial management skills through regular meetings to provide guidance and support developing and sticking to a monthly spending plan.
  
  
• Blue Ridge Community Action offers a Financial Literacy Course through Circles, which our participants are required to complete.
  
  
• A local agency offers a First Time Home Buyers Class that not only prepares our participants to become home owners, but unlocks funding for downpayment assistance.

Allies

photo by: Kelly Sikkema
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Our goal is not just to take people through a structured program. We also want to help them build a supportive community. That’s why in addition to connecting participants with community partners, we provide each participant with a mentor and supporter who walks alongside them as they work toward their goals. We like the term “Ally” because it reflects who they are to our participants: someone who is there to support, advocate, celebrate and encourage them! 
Allies work in partnership with the Program Director to help foster success for our participants—in life and in the OHP program. Learn more by clicking here. To become an Ally, click here.