Women who come to Transitional Housing, Inc. (THI) face a myriad of health challenges.  As homeless women, they have often neglected their physical needs; many have substance abuse and mental and emotional health issues.  We at THI believe that attaining and maintaining optimal health is foundational for succeeding in reaching self-sufficiency and independence.  THI’s health and wellness program addresses the many needs for which the women are in need.

THI collaborates with many agencies that provide monthly services to our women such as health screens, which include screens for diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol and osteoporosis.  Monthly health classes discuss varieties of topics such as heart disease, menopause, stress management, cervical cancer, STD/HIV, breast cancer and smoking cessation just to name a few.  A nutrition series is also a requirement for new residents; this is a weekly class where they discuss different topics such as basic facts on how to stay healthy, structure of the food pyramid, how to cook for health related issues such as diabetes and other meal planning for healthy eating.  Food is cooked and sampled during the lesson.  We are also committed to the fight again HIV, and have a five session program that is funded by the Department of Health, and the SISTA (sisters informing sisters on topics of AIDS) prevention project, a federally funded social skills training intervention for women.  The five sessions include:

1.       Ethics and gender pride

2.       HIV/AIDS education

3.      Assertiveness skills training

4.      Behavior and self management training

5.      Coping skills

After the completion of the five sessions, the women are tested for HIV, here at THI, and a personal risk reduction plan is completed during the session.

THI is also committed to serving the public and hosts a yearly health fair with Lutheran Hospital, bringing services and resources to the community.