Crisis Intervention 24 Hour Hotline

We provide confidential support services and information for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and their friends and family through our 24-Hour Hotline.  If you call the hotline here are the services you can expect:

• Intake services for our safe house protection and information about supportive services such as counseling.
• Information and referrals for survivors and their concerned friends and family members.
• Immediate assistance in English and Spanish. (Other languages and the hearing impaired are accommodated through a language line.)
• Emergency transportation for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors to achieve personal safety.

Safe House Protection

The shelter is dedicated to women and children victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The shelter is located at an undisclosed location and has 24-hour security surveillance. There are 65 beds plus cribs in the facility, and residents can stay there for 30 to 90 days while they prepare to make a fresh start apart from their abuser. Male victims of domestic violence and sexual assault are housed off-site. Not only are housing needs met at the shelter, but residents are also provided with three meals a day through cafeteria-style food services, clothing, personal care items, access to libraries and computer labs, and age-appropriate play areas for children.

Counseling

Individual and group counseling is available to women, youth and children. A licensed counselor conducts all sessions, and services are available to both resident and non-resident victims of domestic violence and sexual assault free of charge. (Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault do not have to stay at the safe house to receive free counseling services.) Residents at the shelter are invited to attend Empowerment Groups to offer hope and encouragement on a peer-to-peer level. Trained staff facilitates the groups.

Case Management & Advocacy

Shelter staff assists women with safety planning, goal setting and referrals to additional community services. Women also receive help with financial and career planning, and they can obtain proper attire for interviews or employment at our resale shop, Christine’s Place.

Youth & Children

Family Services Children’s Advocate works with parents on issues concerning their children and helps young people in adjusting to shelter life. The advocate ensures that all children and youth have adequate arrangements and supplies to attend school and works with the students on homework and other school projects. In addition, foster grandparents are available to help supervise children while their mothers are in the shelter facility taking care of other responsibilities. A secure playground is available, and activities are planned often to ensure that children and youth are thriving during their shelter stay.

Outreach

In addition to Family Services Women and Children’s Shelter, which is located in Jefferson County, we also operate Piney Woods Safe House in Jasper County. The Piney Woods Safe House can be accessed by calling the 24-hour confidential hotline or by contacting the service directly at the number below:

• Piney Woods Safe House: 409-384-1225
• ne@westrengthenfamilies.org

Legal Advocacy

Legal advocates will also provide accompaniment to meetings with law enforcement and the courts, and help survivors obtain 2 yr protective orders if required.  Survivors may also obtain assistance with filing documentation to get Crime Victim’s Compensation, if they qualify.