Safety will be secured through temporary housing for victims of domestic violence/sexual assault and their dependent children at the shelter facility.  Basic living necessities including, but not limited to, meals, laundry, recreation, and emergency transportation will be provided as needed.  Security measures will be maintained to ensure protection from physical harm.  Efforts will be made to help find alternate and safe shelter for persons who do not meet admission criteria.

A 24-hour crisis line will b available to all persons involved in family violence, elder abuse, and sexual assault.  Counseling, information, and referrals will be provided by staff and volunteers.  Staff will he available as backup to crisis volunteers.

Individual counseling will be available to shelter residents by the Shelter Case Manager and/or Domestic Violence Violence Counselor consistent with an individualized service plan developed by residents and counselor based on resident’s needs.  This plan may include:  assessment of needs, vocational and educational counseling, family counseling, behavioral training, personal growth counseling, and referral to existing community resources and other professional counselors for long-term or specialized counseling.

Individual counseling sessions will be provided by the Domestic Violence Counselor and the Sexual Assault Counselor for non-shelter residents and their family members upon request.  Referrals are made to an appropriate community agency for counseling services requested by perpetrators of abuse.  Long-term counseling is provided by referral to existing agencies or private counselors.

Support groups are held weekly and are provided to both shelter residents and people from the community, including children.  Group counseling may include:  emotional support, personal growth education about domestic violence and/or sexual assault, coping skills, resource information, etc.

Individual and group counseling, case management, and advocacy will be provided to children who are residing in the shelter as well as children from the community.  The Child Advocate will provide these services as well as seeing that their basic needs are met, including food, clothing, emergency transportation, recreation, etc.

Professional advocacy services in relation to the criminal justice system and other helping or support services will be provided by the Court Advocate.

After residents leave the shelter, a follow-up contact will he made with the residents to determine if additional services can he provided.

Information and referral to various agencies will be made on a regular basis to ensure that the victim and family members are aware of all of the resources available to her/him.

Services will be provided on an as needed basis for clients who have special needs providing they meet eligibility requirements including the following: mentally ill, mentally retarded, physically disabled, sensory impaired, non-English speaking, immigrants, and the elderly.

Community education/training will be provided upon request to staff of community agencies and school systems, such as the Department of Human Resources, law enforcement personnel, hospital staff, lawyers, ministers, private and agency counselors, and school personnel.  Training will consist of information regarding the dynamics of domestic violence and/or sexual assault, including detection and effective treatment plans, legal issues, safety planning, resources available, and procedures for making referrals.

Speaking engagements will be available to service organizations, civic clubs, religious groups, classes, and professional groups for the purpose of furthering public education and awareness of domestic violence/sexual assault, volunteer opportunities, and available services and resources.