It is important to understand a few things about Crossroads Ministry before making a referral.

Crossroads Ministry is a 16-36 month supportive transitional housing program for at-risk first-time young single mothers and their babies, involving mentors for each mom and strategic planning for their future.  Crossroads is designed to operate as a final step to permanent housing for first-time single mothers and their babies as they develop increased self-sufficiency.

Crossroads Ministry is not…

• permanent housing
• an emergency shelter  (except for one single apt. for an overnight stay with referral from local emergency offices)
• short-term transitional housing
• a drug or alcohol rehab center
• a domestic violence shelter (though we do take moms who have come from domestic violence)
• a mental health provider

Crossroads Ministry will refer young moms who do not meet the program criteria to other organizations that may better suit their needs.

Qualifications for Participating Moms

Potential participants must…

• be 18 years or older to be considered for the program (there are several existing organizations who work specifically with teenage mothers).
• have full-custody of one child living with her and/or be pregnant.
• have a need for transitional housing either due to homelessness, inadequate housing, or unhealthy living situations.
• have achieved at least 12 months sobriety from alcohol and chemical addictions prior to applying to the program, unless referred directly from an in-house rehabilitation program, in which six months sobriety is sufficient.
• have a GED or high-school diploma at the time of approval.
• show promise of gaining financial self-sufficiency through transitional housing, mentoring, service planning.
• be ready and willing to establish meaningful and honest relationships with mentors
• demonstrate a desire to change negative life patterns and choices contributing to their life situation
• show promise of sufficient emotional well-being to maintain a stable environment for their child

Referral Process

A referral for the potential participating family must come from an existing organization; such as a church, social service provider, government agency, or non-profit. Crossroads does not accept referrals from individuals although an individual can initiate the referral process.

It is highly preferred that the referring entity have some prior experience with the potential participating family. The reason we ask this is we need to understand the desire of the mother to work toward change.

All referrals must be made directly by a representative of the referring organization; not by the single mother. Please do not send potential participating families directly to Crossroads Ministry without first making a referral.

Referrals can be made through several different mediums…

Online:  Click here to use our online form.  This is the preferred option.

Phone:  865-258-0875        865-482-0124  or  865-387-6867         (10 AM – 5 PM Monday – Friday)

Email:  Click Referral Form to download the referral form and email to cora@crossroadstransition.org

Please provide as much of the necessary information as possible for the referral using the online form or the downloadable form.

Potential Participating Mother Application Process

1. The referral is made
2. Initial review of referral information followed by a phone call to the single mother
3. Application is returned
4. Reference check
5. Assessment interview
6. Criminal background check, credit check
7. Acceptance or Denial
8. Move-in or Permission to Appeal

*    The application process takes one to two weeks depending on the mother’s availability to return the parts of the application promptly