/ Ladder to Stability
Ladder to Stability
We don't just ask what you need. We ask what's next.
A free, year-long program for single parents rebuilding their lives after leaving domestic violence. You'll have a plan and a team of people to help you follow it.
Length
Up to twelve months
Availablity
Five families at a time
Cost
Free
A plan, and a team to help you follow it
Ladder to Stability helps you take the next steps after leaving. Together we work on steady income, a budget you can stick to, savings and a path toward safe, stable housing.
You'll be matched with five volunteers, including mentors for work and money and a life coach to talk things through with. We keep the program small so every family gets real attention. The first few months are mostly about building trust, and we'll keep showing up while that happens.
Ladder to Stability isn't emergency assistance. If you need help today, please start with our resource list.
The Road Ahead
Months 1 to 3
Assess and stabilize
Understand your situation, spot what's in the way, and take care of what's most urgent.
Months 4 to 6
Build and strengthen
Work, budgeting, savings, housing goals, and habits that hold.
Months 7 to 9
Prepare and progress
Firm up your money and housing plans and get ready for more independence.
Months 10 to 12
Transition and maintain
Hold on to your progress and keep moving forward.
What stability actually means
It is not one thing. It is six pieces working together.
Employment
Reliable income and a plan for continued employment.
Budget
Knowing where your money goes and deciding based on your priorities.
Savings
Building a cushion instead of living crisis to crisis.
Housing
Working toward safe, sustainable housing that fits your circumstances.
Responsibility
Recognizing what is within your control and taking action on it.
Independence
Building a life that continues beyond the program.
What Chat N Chew provides
- Guidance and mentoring
- Practical resources and referrals
- Financial education and coaching
- Housing navigation
- Accountability and encouragement
- Connections to community partners
What we expect from you
- Show up and communicate
- Keep required appointments
- Work toward your employment goals
- Follow your agreed financial plan
- Participate in coaching and mentoring
- Take responsibility for what is in your control
Read this before you apply
- You must be a single parent with at least one minor child living with you.
- You must have left a domestic violence situation within the last 60 days, and must not be seeking emergency shelter.
- You must have been employed for at least 6 months with verifiable income.
- You must have reliable transportation.
- You must be willing to take part in coaching, budgeting, mentoring, and case management for up to a year, and to complete a background check.
Applying doesn't guarantee a place. It also doesn't guarantee financial help, housing or other services. Chat N Chew doesn't own or manage housing. We'll help you find and pursue housing options, but we can't promise placement. This isn't an emergency shelter or crisis housing program.
If you don't meet these requirements, you still have options. Our resource list is open to everyone, and you don't need to contact us first.
Apply for the Ladder to Stability
Questions
Does it cost anything?
No, Ladder to Stability is free.
Can dads apply?
Yes. The program is open to single moms and single dads.
Will you find me a place to live?
We'll help you find and pursue housing options. Chat N Chew doesn't own or manage housing, so we can't promise placement.
I left more than 60 days ago. Can I still apply?
This program is for the first months after leaving. Our resource list has other organizations that can help, and our pantry is open to you.
How long is the waitlist?
It depends on when a spot opens up. We work with five families at a time.