New Year, New Goals
Are you making a new year’s resolution for 2026? If resolutions aren’t helpful or inspiring, consider what you would like your New Year’s mindset to be in 2026.
See the Shift, Be the Shift
When life is difficult and challenges are mounting one’s mindset is reactive. An individual is reacting to their immediate needs and feelings of being in crisis mode. They may feel like they have no control over their life, choices, or children. This is a difficult moment to be in, but shifting one’s mindset helps! This process takes time and there maybe some mishaps, but our families are supported every step of the way. The shift from a reactive mindset to a proactive mindset empowers families. It grows resilience, gains control and helps with future planning and dreaming.
At Saranam, families move into a fully furnished home, stocked shelves, and a key to your new home for 2 years. After a week of orientation parents start a variety of life skills classes. The first months or year can be overwhelming. The families are extremely grateful for the home, a chance for a fresh start, and to further their education. They are also feeling stress for many reasons: not to fail, to acknowledge and change behaviors, learning how to live on their own and run a household, and other reasons.
You are Not Alone
Saranam parents are not alone on their journey. Case managers meet individually with the parents weekly in the first year (in their second year, every 2 weeks) to help them set their goals, stay on track, and offer resources as needed. They also have a day to meet at Community class to discuss, learn, and share with each other. Guest speakers attend throughout the year to talk about cooking, financial management, and volunteering in the community. Instructors are with the parents in class 4 days a week learning effective communication and parenting classes, among other topics. Family Activity Coordinators meet with all the families twice a week for fun and educational learning. Additionally, their neighbors are in the same cohort and program. Learning to build a community with this supportive network is on their doorstep and in the classroom.
House Hunting
One example where case managers see a shift is house hunting process. Finding a new home can be daunting when there are timelines, budgets, and housing options. In December of 2024, a case manager gave a cohort in their first year (only 4 months into the program), the task over winter break to start the applications process for housing and to get on a waiting list. The case manager gave directions and lots of encouragement. The parents started the process of fostering connections with contacts at the various housing offices. Waiting lists are long and one of the number one reasons people don’t get housing is that their contact information changed. By the summer of 2025, the families were managing their own call back lists and checking in with housing programs. The case manager saw a shift from the overwhelm and crisis to preparing and preventing. As of December 2025, many families have housing planned for when they exit in 2026.
2026 Wishes
When families stabilize, they can plan for their future and dreams can be, and feel, more achievable. When we asked parents what they wish for their families in 2026, these were their responses.
Stepping into the New Year
As we step into the new year there are many things to look forward to at Saranam. Families are setting goals, connecting and deepening their family bonds, and learning to grow through classwork, earning certificates and passing exams. Additionally, Saranam’s campuses are evolving.
- In 2026, the Donation Center will open! Watch for the new schedule.
- There will be two application seasons for families to apply.
- There will be a Grand Opening at the Saranam ADC Family Campus. Stay tuned for details!
- We are launching a new volunteer management system. The system will display volunteer opportunities, manage sign-ups, and connect with other volunteers.