Family Self-Sufficiency Program: Housing, Education & Employment for Long-Term Success
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSSP) is ACHIEVEability’s signature and longest-running program. By providing affordable housing and coaching, we support families in breaking the generational cycle of poverty through education. ACHIEVEability connects families to living-wage employment, post-secondary education and permanent housing to help them move towards economic stability and mobility.
Application and Eligibility
Are you interested in applying to our Family Self-Sufficiency Program? Know someone would benefit from this program? Individuals that are eligible for FSSP must meet the following criteria:
You must be at least 18 years of age with a child who is living with you and under the age of 18.
Must be currently enrolled or planning to enroll in post-secondary education within 3 months of program entry.
Living in a temporary/emergency residence; currently residing in an unsafe, unstable or inappropriate housing environment; or paying over 50% of your household income towards rent.
Must have earned a High School Diploma or GED in progress with at least 2 parts completed with the third one scheduled.
Must be working for a minimum of 30 hours a week and earning a minimum gross household income of $1,500 per month.
Sober for at least 6 months (if you have a substance abuse history).
Interested in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?
Contact us at (215) 748-8800 to talk to one of our team members, or complete the form below and we will contact you about the program.
How It Works
Using housing as a foundation, FSSP leverages coaching and education to promote the long-term success of families.
Our Impact
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program goals are to:
Increase the number of parents who have post-secondary degrees or professional credentials
Increase the number of families employed with living-wages and benefits
Help parents advance their careers and build financial assets
See our impact from our last year:
124 families and 282 children provided coaching and a home
9 parents earned credentials
5 Bachelor's
3 Associate’s
1 HS diploma
91% moved into permanent housing
50% increased their income
100% of school-age children persisted in school
ACHIEVE the Dream Scholarship
As of 2021, thanks to a generous donor, ACHIEVEability is able to provide up financial support up to $5,000 to qualifying FSSP participants and household members who are pursuing post-secondary education.
Funds can be used for:
Tuition
Books
Living expenses while completing clinical/internship
College tuition costs for children to avoid taking loans
Lab fees
We’re proud to make post-secondary education more accessible for our FSSP families.
Success Stories
“The coaches really cared. You can tell when someone wants what’s best for you, truly.”
Christina, FSSP Participant
May 2020: Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, Gwynedd Mercy University
Smoothie Demo with Shakira and Savannah
Shakira joined ACHIEVEability’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program with her daughter Savannah in 2017. Shakira is currently in community health classes at CCP and is on her way to becoming a licensed nurse. As many of you know, raising children during a pandemic is no small feat. Together, Shakira and Savannah found new ways to bond and add fun to their days - like making smoothies!
Fitness with Kenisha
Check out Kenisha's story of working with ACHIEVEability's Family Self-Sufficiency and AMP! mentoring program. She talks about resiliency through the COVID-19 pandemic and her inspiration to start her fitness journey.