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Family Self-Sufficiency Library
by: J Hayes


Introduction
Since 1995, the Housing Authority of Butte County has administered the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) for interested Section 8 clients. The FSS program is a voluntary program designed to assist Section 8 clients in becoming independent of public assistance. FSS combines case management, education and training with rental assistance (Section 8) to aid families in becoming self-sufficient. FSS is a five-year program in which very low-income families receive rental assistance, along with vital supportive services. These supportive services are designed to assist the family in overcoming barriers to employment while receiving the training and skills necessary to become gainfully employed.

In order for FSS participants to successfully meet their goal of self-sufficiency, underlying barriers must be addressed. Job training, parenting, self-esteem, career exploration and education are issues that many FSS participants must address.

Statement of Need
Many of the county's FSS participants attend local colleges, or other training programs. FSS participants also attend monthly workshops in which they receive information on various life skill issues. During these workshops, FSS participants expressed a desire to read for pleasure, personal growth, and to enhance their education. As all FSS participants are low income; many do not have the personal funds available to purchase books or even necessary school supplies.

Description of the Intervention
After locating a WEB Site (see references) describing a FSS lending library in Florida, I decided to start a similar library for the county's FSS participants. I also decided to include a selection of school supplies, which would be free to FSS Participants.

I have collected over one hundred books, games, and videos through private donations for the library. In addition, I have collected donated school supplies such as binders, pens, and folders. The library collection includes books on parenting, job search methods, career exploration, and self-esteem. The library will be available at each FSS workshop for participants to borrow materials. The school supplies will also be made available at these meetings.

Evaluation of the Intervention
The success of the library will be evaluated by determining how many FSS participants utilize the library over time. The FSS Coordinator will attend to the evaluation and continuation of the library. When participants check out an item, it will be recorded in the check out binder. This binder will allow the FSS Coordinator to the keep track of materials checked out as well as assess the success of the library.

Reflections on the Project
The library would benefit by the addition of additional books regarding GED preparation, family videos and games as well as books on career exploration. I would recommend that a wish list be placed in the library for FSS participants to make specific requests. The library also is in need of more shelving for books. I would recommend that fundraising activities be held in to allow for additions to the library and school supplies. It would be beneficial to the FSS lending library and the FSS program as a whole if fundraisers on the program's behalf could be held.

In order to solicit donations from businesses, or other interested individuals, the FSS Program tax status must be addressed. Currently, the FSS Program does not have a non-profit tax status. If funds or donations are solicited from outside individuals and businesses, a donation receipt must be issued to the individual or business. This receipt would allow those who donate to the FSS Program to make a claim on their taxes for that year. In order to issue this receipt of donation, the FSS Program must have a non-profit status.

References
Haynes, S. (1995). Family Self-Sufficiency Unit Library. Retrieved February 17, 1999 from the World Wide Web: http://scfn.thpl.lib.fl.us/special_libraries/fssu.htm

FSS Participant 1. Personal interview. 23 Sept. 1998.

FSS Participant 2. Personal interview. 18 Oct. 1998.

FSS Participant 3. Personal interview. 24 Oct. 1998.

FSS Participant 4. Personal interview. 1 Jan. 1999.

FSS Participant 5. Personal interview. 17 Feb. 1999.

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