Programs for Recovery and Renewal

What Is HUGS?
Heads-Up Guidance Services, Inc. (HUGS) is a nonprofit organization serving the Savannah community by providing both therapeutic and vocational counseling to disadvantaged children and adults. The success of our programs depends entirely upon the generosity of our citizens. While giving valuable support to individuals in need, HUGS volunteers are contributing to better our Savannah community.

89%
of homeless family members and individuals cant be accommodated in 60% of Georgias 159 counties.

HUGS has an active Executive Board of Directors and 28 Advisory Board Members, as well as 7 working committees made up of board members and community volunteers. We are currently partnering with other organizations such as Old Savannah City Mission Institute for Children, and Interfaith Hospitality Network to provide outreach Poverty, and Homelessness counseling services. HUGS professional volunteers (ICPH) National Survey of Programs and Services for also facilitate Substance Education Programs at Homeless Families. Savannah State University. Our fundraising efforts are in place to establish additional community enrichment programs such as HUGS Academy (Ready-2-Work Program), HUGS House (residential facility for women & children), and a HUGS Day Program (clinical & vocational). Funding for a facility in which to operate these programs is crucial for growth, and is, therefore, the primary focus of our fundraising committee.

What Makes HUGS Different?

Heads-Up Guidance Services, Inc. (HUGS) is committed to providing exceptional services to the Chatham Countys underserved population without using taxpayer dollars (i.e. government funded programs such as Medicaid) as a funding source. HUGS can bridge the gap in services and provide the necessary clinical components lacking in our community to promote long-term success and independence for our disadvantaged citizens - NOT at the expense of local taxpayers, but rather to the benefit of local employers and the Savannah community at large. Heads-Up Guidance Services (HUGS) will be serving individuals lacking necessary means to obtain essential services in order to become a viable and productive community member. These individuals are typically without insurance and/or do not quality for Medicaid. Heads-Up Guidance Services (HUGS) looks to provide a wide variety of services, but has a strong emphasis on professional services NOT offered in other local residential settings. HUGS Counseling and Guidance components are essential for long-term success, and such clinical services paired with supporting residential and vocational components are the backbone of the HUGS Program. HUGS program participants can obtain MORE clinical services for significantly LESS money than those receiving services funded by Medicaid (i.e. the Taxpayer).

HUGS Program Values

HUGS is a non-profit organization providing support services to at-risk individuals and families seeking healthy, productive lifestyles. While assisting individuals to realize their potential, HUGS aims to foster a positive relationship between participant and community. We are committed to a comprehensive approach, and work with community partners to take advantage of existing resources. Our opportunities for social rehabilitation and community integration include the following:

Education, Career Development & Job Placement Training in Financial Responsibility and Life Skills Parenting Skills & Childcare Services Spiritual Growth & Guidance Social Skills & Recreational Therapy Mental Health, Addiction Recovery & Mentoring Services

18.4%
number of families in poverty in Chatham County

Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness (ICPH) National Survey of Programs and Services for Homeless Families.

Why HUGS?
the tax payer would be paying approximately $1,914.48 per participant, but HUGS provides the identical service for only $263.00 per participant this is a savings of close to 90%

Individual Therapy (1.5 hrs)

$600.24
Group Therapy (1.5 hrs)
20-30 min/Out-clinic $50.02 x 12

$733.56
20-30 min/Out-clinic $61.13 x 12

$475.20
$6.60 per unit (15 min. In-clinic)

$1,080.36
20-30 min/Out-clinic $90.03 x 12

Identical Services from HUGS

$594.00
$6.60 per unit (15 min. Out-clinic)

$1.320.48
20-30 min/Out-clinic $110.04 x 12

$263.00

Medicad Reimbursement Rate (2011) vs. HUGS

Ways to Find HUGS

HUGS Day Shelter Plans

The reality is that unless the 4,200 documented homeless people in Savannah are rehabilitated out of their current situation, an already burdened charitable network will face crushing odds, as more people will be forced out on the streets. Sadly, many turn to drugs and alcohol to appease devastating situations. The community can no longer turn a blind eye to this growing problem, as a burgeoning tourist community has begun clashing with the reality of a city unable to manage growing gaps in provision.

5,541
number of individuals that experienced homelessness in Chatham County in 2011
Chatham/Savannah Authority for the Homeless Website

A solution has been developed to address this situation. HUGS along with the Savannah Baptist Center, Old Savannah City Mission, Americas Second Harvest Food Bank, and a number of other charitable community organizations, have collaboratively partnered with each other to extend much needed services to the underserved. HUGS has developed a day shelter which will provide much needed respite during the day for those who wander the streets. Daily access to the shelter depends upon passing a drug screen. If they are approved to enter, participants commit to work for three hours out of the eight spent at the shelter. After their three hours has been satisfied, they can sit down individually with Professional Counselors, focus on additional vocational training, or take care of their laundry or shower needs.

HUGS Day Shelter Plans

An annual goal has been set to make a minimum of 6,500 connections with participants. Ultimately, HUGS would like to move qualified participants from the day shelter onto the other side of HUGS treatment center, where they will receive intensive individualized counseling, group therapy, and help for areas in their life needing attention. This will contract them for a minimum of one year, so they can regularly attend classes and learn how to survive outside of the street environment.

Initial costs for funding for this project has been substantial, but thanks to the generosity of HUGS donors and volunteers, that need has somewhat been abated. Additionally, a community partnership fostered between HUGS and the Savannah Baptist Center, allows both organizations to serve the total needs of an individual, rather than their basic needs. Leveraging HUGS efforts to complete the day shelter, the Savannah Baptist Center is refurbishing an number of area outside, which will provide laundry homeless children facilities, clean showers, and an eating area in Chatham County for homeless people to use while taking in 2011 advantage of the counseling services, job training, and rehabilitation services offered by HUGS. Chatham/Savannah

762

Authority for the Homeless Website

Financial Need
While HUGS maintains an extremely low fiscal operational overhead (approximately $25,000 annually), the generosity of its in kind donations, thousands of donated volunteer hours, and a few community driven fundraisers have allowed HUGS to leverage its operating budget to almost $450,000 in total value for 2012. This includes an in kind donation of $250,000 worth of building materials, $20,000 in donated office space for counseling services, $115,000 worth of donated professional counseling, and close to $20,000 in donated construction labor. Additionally, HUGS receives zero funding through Federal and State resources, and its taxable income only factors in monetary contracts, rather than the leveraged value of donated goods and services. All elements are in place to start the process, but HUGS lacks $9,000 in capital to make this shelter a reality for Savannah. HUGS believes the day shelter fits the mission of the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust, and will make a significant impact in the Savannah area. Respectfully we submit our proposal for consideration and ask for inclusion in your charitable giving for the amount of $9,000.

18.4%
number of families in poverty in Chatham County

Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness (ICPH) National Survey of Programs and Services for Homeless Families.

Annual Budget