Shelter and Transitional Housing
Emergency Shelter Services The Emergency Shelter, Our Sister’s House, provides immediate, safe housing for women and children who have fled their homes due to domestic violence. The program also provides basic needs, including food, transportation, case management, clothing or other items, since many victims leave their homes with no chance to gather necessary personal belongings. All services are provided at no cost to the residents.
The program also provides a structured place where women can learn about actions they can take to ensure a safe future for themselves and their children. Staff work with clients to develop a written Safety Plan, which includes concrete steps to take to make sure the family violence stops while they are in the Shelter and after they leave.
The Shelter is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, consistent with our crisis hotline. Our experienced Shelter Director supervises daily operation of the home, including arranging for intake and discharge of residents. Other staff are on site around the clock to ensure safety and support for residents.
Education Programs and Referral Services to Address Emotional and Physical Trauma
Victims who seek shelter are typically traumatized by their experience of domestic violence. Program staff help victims understand how domestic violence affects the short- and long-term emotional and physical health of their children, as well as for themselves.
To address emotional and physical trauma, FAS collaborates with a vast array of agencies and providers. An individualized case management plan is developed with each client to determine if referrals are needed. These may include services provided through Legal Aid, the Public Health and Social Services departments, Women’s Resource Center, CrossRoads Sexual Assault Center, Exchange Club’s Family Center, Mental Health providers and Law Enforcement Agencies. FAS also provides support group services. In 2008, we provided 36 support group sessions, serving over 250 women receiving either group or individual counseling. We hope to expand these services in the future.
Services such as these are vital to ensure the safety of both the clients and their children. These resources are also important in helping clients build self-sufficiency skills and in beginning the long-term healing needed to overcome the impact of trauma and abuse.
If you have questions regarding services of the Emergency Shelter contact:
Merry Whyte, Shelter Director, at 336-226-5982 or mwhyte@familyabuseservices.org.
