Since 2018, Erin Martin-Fournier has been helping young people build safer, more stable lives in Jackson County. As advocacy services director for Community Works, she leads programs that support youth and young adults facing homelessness due to domestic violence, sexual violence or trafficking.
Community Works has served Jackson County for more than 30 years. The organization supports about 12,000 people each year through its help line and other services.
Through a wide range of programs, the organization helps people feel safe and supported, moving them from crisis to stability and eventually independence.
Many of the youth they serve have experienced years of trauma that can carry into adulthood.
“Serious mental health challenges often show up between ages 18 and 24,” Erin said. “That’s why we work with young people ages 15 to 24.”
For teens ages 15 to 18, mentoring services provide steady, in-person support during uncertain times. These youth may be experiencing homelessness or living in unsafe situations. They meet weekly with mentors to build safety plans, set goals and work toward independence.
They also get help finding housing, staying in school or re-engaging if they’ve fallen behind. In some cases, a mentor may be the only trusted person in a young person’s life.
For young adults ages 18 to 24, Community Works offers transitional housing. The organization owns an eight-unit complex where rent is based on income. Some residents are not yet able to pay rent, but most residents pay about 30 percent of what they earn while building responsibility and credit history.
The first few months focus on safety and stability. From there, residents begin planning their future by working toward a GED, starting college or entering the workforce.
“For many of them, this is the first time they’ve had a safe, stable place to live,” Erin said.
Residents can stay from six months to two years. When they are ready to live on their own, they move out and open the door for someone else in need.
But housing is only part of the support.
Community Works partners with other local organizations to offer life skills classes and services on site. They also support survivors of domestic and sexual violence in a way that builds trust. Because Community Works is not a mandatory reporter, clients can share their experiences openly and decide for themselves what steps to take.
The 24/7 confidential help line adds another layer of support. Staff and volunteers are available at any time, including weekends.
“The call doesn’t have to be an emergency,” Erin said. “Sometimes someone just needs help figuring out something small. We call it the help line because we want to help. Our clients have been through a lot, and they deserve that support.”
This work depends on strong community partnerships. Even as funding becomes more limited, Community Works continues to show up for the people who rely on them.
Like many organizations, they have seen budgets shrink while needs continue to grow. Support from partners like the Avista Foundation helps fill those gaps and keeps these programs available to the community.
“We’re always looking for partners,” Erin said. “We never want to say something can’t be done. If a door closes, we look for another way.”
Through it all, Erin says the strength of their clients stands out most.
“They’ve already overcome so much,” she said. “We get to remind them of that. Once they feel safe, they can move from surviving to thriving. That’s the most rewarding part.”
At Avista, we recognize our unique position gives us the chance to contribute in an impactful way and make a real difference in people’s lives. Since 2002, the Avista Foundation has made grants totaling over $17 million to organizations that support vulnerable and limited income populations, education, and economic and cultural vitality. The foundation is a separate, non-profit organization established by Avista Corp., and does not receive funding from Avista Utilities’ customers through rates. For more information on grant applications and geographical areas covered, please visit avistafoundation.com.