The Good Samaritan Model

Following is a brief description of the Good Samaritan model and program structure:

Eligibility
Youngsters are eligible for the program if they:

• Are between the ages of 16 and 25
• Were in state and private orphanages in Bihor County, Romania
• Have suffered from homelessness, hunger, abuse, and mistreatment
• Have no legal hiring history (worked in the Black Market or were exploited by past employers)

Admittance

• Youngsters can be accepted into the Good Samaritan programs four times a year (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1).
• Youngsters can be admitted into one of the four permanent vocational programs (the Restaurant, Carpentry Shop, Noah's Ark, or the HFH Partnership Program) or one of the temporary projects.
• In addition, youngsters will be assigned to one of three different "tracks." The general track will enable a youngster to stay in one of the programs for at least one year and possibly an additional year if he or she does not complete his or her required trainings. The accelerated track will provide more advanced youngsters with basic support and training for three months. The extended track is for youngsters who may have disabilities or mental challenges that keep them from being successful in society. These youngsters can stay as long as necessary in order to gain the skills they need.

Support Provided During and After the Program

• Youngsters receive various types of assistance and support while in the Good Samaritan programs, such as a monthly wage, health insurance and assistance, counselling, recreational activities, job search assistance, co-signing for apartments, life skills training, and donated goods.
• Graduates receive such things as a graduation certificate, letter of recommendation, a four-month stipend with first job, incentive gifts for staying at their jobs, part-time job opportunities with Good Samaritan, and homeownership loans.

Requirements to Graduate
A youngster will graduate from Good Samaritan if he or she:

• Completes the required vocational trainings in one of the programs or projects and masters the specific vocational skills
• Completes the required life skills trainings identified for each youngster upon admittance
• Follows the organization's rules and policies

A youngster will be successfully transitioned into the community when he or she:

• Secures and retains a job registered at the chamber of labor for at least four months
• Receives a good performance review/report from employer;
• Lives in a facility he/she rents in his/her name and fully supports him or herself four months after leaving Good Samaritan;
• Maintains good behavior/manners and attends regular community activities of some kind;
• Develops a decent family life with reasonable care for family (if applicable)