| Established in 2003, the Henrietta Hammond Institute for Life Skills (HHILS) provides formal, comprehensive life skills education for Sojourner House residents. The program, a key component of the Sojourner House’s Transitional Housing Program, continues to expand in scope and depth.
With the help and support of community partners and volunteers, the HHILS Program provides over 350 hours of life skills instruction. Every woman who resides at Sojourner House is required to complete more than 75 credit hours of life skills education during her 3-6 month stay. Participants who complete all eight core classes and at least two elective classes earn the 26 total credits required for a Life Skills Certificate of Achievement.
The HHILS core classes provide instructions on
In addition to core classes, a wide range of elective classes are offered by community volunteers who bring a unique talent or passion to share with the women of Sojourner House. Classes have included everything from creative art and writing to yoga and fitness. There are also many inspirational workshops scheduled throughout the program. These classes help women to discover their hidden talents, hobbies for the future, and joy in life!
Local Collaboration
In 2007, Sojourner House established an exciting collaboration with Susan B. Anthony House. As part of its “Inspiration Express” program, Sojourner House women tour the Susan B. Anthony House, and participate in two follow-up workshops to discuss Ms. Anthony’s life and work and it’s impact on our present day lives. The program was so well received that it was added to the HHILS Program as a mandatory.
Visit our Volunteering Opportunities to learn more about volunteering your time in the HHILS program.
HHILS Core Class Descriptions:
Parenting Education
The Family Resource Centers of Crestwood Children’s Center, part of the Hillside Family of Agencies, provides parenting education instruction weekly throughout the year. The classes provide instruction on topics that help the women develop and strengthen their parenting skills, and build healthy, stable families. Facilitated family activity sessions are offered once a month to give participants an opportunity to practice and hone their parenting skills.
Money Management
The FUTURES collaborative, led by the Credit Education Bureau of Rochester, provides instruction on money management strategies. The women learn how to prepare a household budget, spend money wisely, maintain financial records, file taxes returns, manage credit, and save for the future.
Getting Organized
Community volunteers teach a customized curriculum that was developed specifically to help Sojourner House women better organize their live. Participants learn how to manage their own time and family schedules, structure their living spaces to meet their family’s needs, organize closets and storage areas, and complete household chores.
Cooking & Nutrition
Cornell Cooperative Extension teaches participants the fundamental of cooking and good nutrition. Participants gain an understanding of basic food safety and children’s nutritional requirements. They also learn how to plan and prepare balanced meals and create a realistic food budget.
Healthy Living
Third year medical students for the University of Rochester Medical Center provide instruction on maintaining a healthy diet, the importance of exercise, and the prevention of common ailments and diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Participants also learn valuable stress management techniques.
Healthy Relationships
Planned Parenthood and its Rape Crisis Center helps the women understand the difference healthy and unhealthy relationships. Participants explore choices in a relationship, how set boundaries and recognize the signs of sexual harassment and abuse.
Job Readiness
Independent, professional instructors help the women evaluate their personal job skills and identify areas of interest. They also teach job search techniques, job application process, interviewing skills, resume and cover letter preparation, and positive work habits.
Home Maintenance
The Home Depot provides Instruction on exterior home care and interior decorating ideas. They also teach safety tips and the basics of plumbing, electrical and maintenance tools.
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