Apply

Are you interested in applying to become a resident at The Elizabeth House, or do you know someone who may need support right now? Read more about our application process below and learn how to make a referral.

The Elizabeth House Application Process

1. Fill out the pre-screening inquiry form today.
2. Get the call. In 3 to 5 days, one of our staff members will reach out to discuss the program further.
3. Meet the staff. You will have an opportunity to meet us and ask questions about the program. During this in-person interview, we will complete the formal application and get signed consents for the required screenings (background, drug testing, medical releases, etc).
4. If we determine we can serve your needs, you will be accepted and given a move-in date, placed on the waiting list, or referred to other places for help and support.

Make a Referral

If you are a social worker or case manager and have a client to refer, please email your name, the client’s name, and any other pertinent information to Karen Neff, our Program Director, at Karenn@carenetdane.org. Please ask your client to fill out a pre-screening form, or you can complete it for them. 

Is The Elizabeth House a Good Fit?

Here are some common questions you may be asking yourself as you navigate whether The Elizabeth House is a good fit for you or a client you’re referring:

Pregnant or recently given birth?

The Elizabeth House is for pregnant women or those with infants up to six months of age.

Have children over the age of three?

The Elizabeth House cannot accommodate children over the age of three. If your older children are in your care, please get in touch with us for a referral to another agency.

Have alcohol or drug concerns?

We are not able to serve women with active alcohol or drug addiction issues. Before becoming a resident of The Elizabeth House, you must pass a urine drug test.

Have a criminal background?

The Elizabeth House provides a safe environment for our residents. We are not able to accept women who have a violent criminal history.

Have a diagnosed mental health condition?

The Elizabeth House is not equipped to care for women who have been clinically diagnosed by their doctor with schizophrenia, severe bipolar disorder, or behavioral disorders that interfere with the ability to function on a daily basis.

We may request to speak with your mental health provider to determine if our facility and group living arrangement are right for you.

Willing to make a change?

We specialize in giving pregnant women a safe, nurturing place to make a new start, but you have to be willing and ready to accept help, coaching, and encouragement. If you strongly desire to make changes in your life, we are here to help you.

Complete the screening form today to get started.

Our Admission Criteria:

• 18+ years of age
• Committed to the process of change so you and your baby can thrive
• Single; we are a facility for women and children only
• No active alcohol or other drug abuse issues; must be clean for at least six months with continued counseling, and random drug tests are done
• No significant criminal history; background checks are done during the application process
• We are not staffed to work with persons with significant mental health diagnoses or active AODA concerns

Our Expectations

In order for a young woman to reside at The Elizabeth House, she must agree to meet our core program requirements, which include the following:

• Attend nightly family meals on Monday–Thursday nights unless this conflicts with work or school
• Share in cooking duties
• Attend mandatory Monday night group
• Complete daily and weekly chores to keep the household running smoothly
• Meet with the case manager weekly
• Attend mandatory classes (parenting, childbirth education, healthy relationships, nutrition, finance, and others)
• Pursue a high school diploma or GED (unless completed)
• Pay off debt and save a percentage of the money earned
• Work, volunteer, or attend school for a minimum of 20 hours per week
• Agree to abide by all policies to keep the house a safe, supportive, and respectful home for all who reside there