Steps to End Domestic Violence

The emergency housing program (ehp) meets the immediate need for safe housing as well as advocacy and support for those fleeing Domestic Violence. The staff provides safety planning and advocacy for safe housing if the agency's emergency shelter is not available or appropriate. The staff refers To other social service providers as needed. Advocates provide referrals for basic needs such as food, clothing, medical assistance, financial assistance, parenting support, follow-up services, and ongoing support including education on the causes and effects of Domestic abuse. Staff also assist in the search for safe and affordable housing using individualized housing search plans.

The legal advocacy program (lap) provides support To individuals experiencing Domestic abuse as they navigate legal systems such as family and district courts, law enforcement and the department of corrections. Legal advocates provide individuals with information, referrals and support, court forms and preparation for court hearings and accompaniment To hearings in both the civil and criminal court systems. Legal advocates also provide assistance in the process of obtaining protection orders. Steps To End Domestic Violence, Inc. offers a free legal clinic To individuals who have experienced Domestic abuse. The legal clinic is comprised of Steps To End Domestic Violence, Inc. staff members, volunteer paralegals and volunteer attorneys.

The economic justice program (ejp) is a programmatic response To the reality that the path To safety and violence-free lives for those who have experienced Domestic Violence must include access To economic resources. Lack of access To affordable, safe housing, stable income and employment, health insurance, transportation and other basic needs narrows the options for many people. The economic justice program works with individuals and systems To break down the barriers that prevent access To crucial economic resources. Staff help service users regain confidence in personal finance, build employment readiness, and secure transitional and permanent housing. Within the economic justice program is the transitional housing program (thp). Steps To End Domestic Violence, Inc. Provides transitional housing in a scattered site model in which rental assistance may be provided for those living in housing units throughout the community. Advocates work with participants as they stabilize housing, while also connecting them To community resources such as financial literacy programming, job training and other resources.

The Steps To End Domestic Violence 24/7 hotline functions as the first response To those in need. Hotline staff and volunteers provide crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, emergency housing screening, and referrals To agency programs and external programs. The hotline is available To anyone who has questions or concerns about Domestic Violence, either in their own relationship or with respect To a friend or family member. Hotline access via relay service and telephonic interpreters help make the service available To those who have hearing impairment or for whom english is not their first language. The education and prevention program (epp) provides information and awareness about Domestic abuse and Steps To End Domestic Violence, Inc. programs and services offered To a wide audience in the community, through public events and presentations for area high schools, colleges, community organizations, and businesses. We also work To develop ongoing internal resources on topics including Domestic Violence in underserved populations, current trends in Domestic Violence, and ongoing educational opportunities in the community. The education and prevention program also offers prevention and intervention programming for youth. Through interactive workshops, youth learn To recognize safe and supportive relationships as well as unhealthy ones, and identify various forms of abuse. Steps To End Domestic Violence, Inc. also trains high school students To become peer advocates, providing information and support To teens exposed To dating Violence. The children and youth program (cyp) offers crisis intervention and advocacy for the rights and needs of children in the shelter and in the community. Other services include childcare, recreational activities, and educational/therapeutic playgroups for pre and school-aged children. Groups are open To children referred through the Steps To End Domestic Violence hotline, school social workers and other service providers.