Program areas at NEWS
The Transitional Housing Program assists clients in finding safe, affordable housing. Continued supportive services are also a part of this program. These services can last for up to two years. Many of our clients who find shelter in the Safe House, transition into apartments of their own. During the fiscal year we assisted 77 individuals with finding either temporary or permanent, affordable housing. There were 1,037 services provided to clients to help them with household establishment.
Crisis Intervention:The Safe Solutions program is designed to work specifically with adults who have co-occurring domestic violence, drug or alcohol dependency issues and/or mental health issues. The program was designed using trauma informed practices and uses intensive case management to help adults discover triggers and coping skills to guide them to safety and support. There is a strong emphasis on working toward successful connections to resources that support their recovery and healing. During the fiscal year, we served a total of 243 clients, which included providing transportation for 16 clients for social services, health and court appointments.The Court Advocacy Program provides help with the process of filing for protective orders and providing advocacy to victims of domestic violence. NEWS Court Advocates work together with clients to find resources pertaining to child custody, visitation, and civil issues related to abuse. NEWS Court Advocates are co-located at the Monarch Justice Center. During the fiscal year, there were 58 restraining orders filed on behalf of clients and 216 court appearances on behalf of clients.
Our emergency shelter is a safe, confidential house located in a residential neighborhood. It is a real home with a beautiful kitchen, private bedrooms and bathrooms, indoor and outdoor play areas for children, and a cozy family room where clients can relax or hold family meetings. Our staff is there around the clock to work with clients on individualized plans to find resources for a future free of violence. We also staff a 24-hour crisis line. During the fiscal year, 48 adults and 50 children were provided safe, confidential shelter and supportive services at the emergency shelter for a total of 3,568 shelter days. 2,382 crisis line calls were received at the shelter by our domestic violence counselors. 61 adults and 26 children attended peer support counseling sessions held both at our shelter and at other locations.