Moving Ahead Program (MAP)

St. Francis House believes that meaningful employment is essential to recovery, and helps students prepare for the workforce by teaching not only resume-writing and interviewing skills, but also standards of workplace behavior and other social skills that may need reinforcement. MAP also assists participants with drug and/or alcohol abuse problems and other disorders, and with reentering the community after a stay in prison. 

MAP students attend class from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM five days a week. St. Francis House helps all students find a place to live for the duration of the program, pays for their housing, and provides them with a small stipend for living expenses. In addition, every student has access to image consulting services through our unique Studio Shine boutique, and participates in an internship in their field of interest with one of our partner organizations, including Clarks Companies, N.A., Boston National Companies, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, and many other local businesses and organizations.

The MAP model is extremely effective: 68% of our graduates are employed within two weeks of graduation, and 71% remain employed after six months. In 2000, the program was recognized by the Congressional Black Caucus for excellence, and in 2001 MAP was selected by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Education Development Center (EDC) in Newton, MA, to serve as a “best practices” model for other HUD-funded programs in eight U.S. cities that were considering replicating the program. MAP-Topeka (Kansas) was launched in 2003, MAP-St. Louis (Missouri) was launched in 2004, and several other replications are currently under development.

In 2009, MAP graduated its 90th class. More than 1,000 formerly homeless individuals are now MAP alumni and have access to St. Francis House and MAP services for as long as they need them.

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MAP Facts:

• The mean age of those enrolled in MAP is 36 years
• The number of times those enrolled have been homeless is 2.3
• 80% of MAP students have received prior treatment for drug abuse
• 70% of MAP students have received prior treatment for alcohol abuse
• 50% of MAP students have received psychiatric treatment
• 84% of MAP students have prior incarceration and involvement with the courts
• Nearly 300 inmates, most of whom are wrapping up their sentences and not seeking our help to obtain parole, have applied to MAP
• MAP has a waiting list of close to 100

Outcomes and Impact:

• 81% of MAP enrollees completed treatment and the 14-week program
• 78% of graduates secured permanent housing within 6 months
• The recidivism rate among former offenders who are MAP graduates is 10% as compared to state and national averages that range from 40-60%
• For every 1% reduction in the recidivism rate the Commonwealth saves $1 million each year
• Every dollar “invested” in treatment saves $10 in the cost of prosecution, incarceration, and supervision of offenders
• MAP costs only $11,000 per student, whereas incarceration costs the Commonwealth $47,500 per person annually

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MAP has gained a strong reputation among transition workers and inmates within the federal, state, and county correctional systems, thus accounting for the large number of MAP candidates waiting for release into MAP.  MAP is particularly interested in working with those who have struggled the most and who have the least in terms of family and community support. MAP is known for screening candidates into the program, not out of the program.

“Seeing is believing” is the axiom at St. Francis House. Anyone interested in our work is welcome to schedule a visit/tour.  Whether you are a potential participant, volunteer, internship provider, employer, or just interested in how MAP developed its services, do not hesitate to contact us to schedule a presentation at your location or at St. Francis House. We love to share our story!

Contact MAP