From the Executive Director

Rockford MELD’s mission is to strengthen families through a variety of program’s and services.

Our Trinity House Homeless Shelter for pregnant and parenting young mothers is a point of entry. The needs of each family are assessed and appropriate linkages to other community services are made. Secondly, our Transitional Living Program helps families develop specific goals in the areas of parenting, money management and educational/vocational pursuits.

Additionally, MELD has a strong focus on prevention. Education groups for 6th thru 9th graders are held at weekly at local schools. MELD assists these youth in developing the skills that help prevent at-risk behaviors and teen pregnancy. Through another important program, Marriage First, we offer workshops and seminars throughout the year in the community that are available to unmarried and married couples.

We still have much work to accomplish. The most recent State of Illinois statistics show that more than 50 % of homeless youth were turned away due to a lack of shelter beds. The largest need (37%) was for pregnant and parenting teens.

The good news is that homeless youth providers are able to help youth transition into appropriate housing; the statistics show that 87% of youth exiting the programs moved into safe, stable housing. With strong case management services, this blueprint translates to successful independence, breaking the cycle of teen pregnancy and producing contributing members of society.

We are an organization that stands in the gap for one of society’s most vulnerable populations. We are impacting the lives of young moms and dads, and future generations. On behalf of our staff and board of directors, thank you for interest in Rockford MELD.

I look forward with great anticipation to what lies ahead for MELD and the young mothers, fathers and children we serve.

Warm Regards,

Jim Spruyt
Executive Director
jspruyt@rockfordmeld.org
Ph:  815-965-8336  ext. 33