As the Executive Director for the Downtown Fellowship and from my office at Connections Housing at 1250 6th Avenue, San Diego, 92101, I have participated in the coordination of 5 courses (8sessions each course) of Real Life Skills (RLS). The Real Life Skills courses have been offered for case managers and residents at Connections Housing as part of a collaboration between ALPHA Project, PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), and the Downtown Fellowship.

Over the past year I have watched the development of this course in the context of concern for men and women who are dealing with homelessness and seeking more stable lives. The life skills curriculum focuses on the importance of thinking and making good choices. We all get stuck some times and we all experience difficulties in our lives. This course provides tools to help people make the best of difficult situations and choose the best directions for their lives. The course material is delivered with hope and enthusiasm that encourages people to take the positive steps that will improve their life situations. Our lives are complicated but we are seeing course participants find new hope and take concrete actions to stabilize their lives.

Over the past year the RLS course has increased in popularity at Connections Housing. With each succeeding course we have gained traction and built trust and confidence with residents and the onsite management team. To date, more than 30 residents have completed the full course and received a special graduate certificate. These certificates are prized and a source of great pride for all involved.

The Downtown Fellowship is very grateful to the RLS team for the ongoing faithful delivery of this timely curriculum. We are also grateful for the collaborative commitment to RLS at Connections Housing.

Sincerely,

Bruce Menser Executive Director Downtown Fellowship