How We Can Help
With a staff of 15 and a dedicated corps of volunteers, Women & Children First provides the following services:
A Domestic Violence Hotline
is answered 24 hours a day / 365 days a year. This toll-free hotline service is available to anyone needing crisis intervention, emotional support, information, and referrals. In FY 2008, of the 737 crisis calls answered, 292 resulted in shelter admittance.
Emergency Shelter
is available to women and children fleeing domestic violence. Shelter intake is available 24-hours a day. Many families arrive traumatized and fearful, with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and we provide food, clothing, linens, and hygiene items. We rely on the generosity from individuals, churches and other community groups for these supplies. Supplies are donated from individuals, churches, and community groups. In FY 2008 WCF sheltered 292 women and 372 children, representing 9,310 shelter days.
The Advocacy Program
provides specialized assistance to families arriving and residing at the shelter. Our advocates offer crisis intervention, case management, and emotional support to victims of domestic violence and their children. They assist with housing, employment, medical care, legal services and transportation. WCF also offers support groups/classes integrating the dynamics of domestic violence, life skills, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, employment preparation, and parenting. WCF provided 1,148 support group hours and 1,828 individual support hours in FY 2008.
The Court Advocacy
program offers assistance with filing for Orders of Protection, compensation claims, and referrals. We have a full-time Court Advocate to help with the orders and escort clients to court for emotional support. In FY 2008, 908 women were assisted with filing protection orders and another 291 women were assisted with other legal and support issues.
Adult Education
programming is provided by WAGE. Residents gain education competency and computer skills working through individualized learning plans. In FY2008, 222 women were provided computer training and assisted with GED preparation, resume development, and more.
Our Children’s Program
provides recreational, educational activities and group support for the children in our shelter. Staff assists mothers in enrolling children in new schools, arranging for tutoring and counseling, and organizing enrichment activities. More than 137 tutoring hours were provided in FY 2008.
Transitional Housing
is available to families who need assistance moving into permanent housing. This program enables participants to receive housing and supportive services for up to two years after leaving the shelter. WCF houses up to ten families at any one time. In FY 2005, we enrolled 20 women and their 49 children in the transitional housing program and we provided them 456 case management hours.
It is estimated that 1 in 4 women will suffer abuse regardless of age, race or income. These are stories of survivors – reminders that no matter what the situation may be there is a way out. To anyone being abused, you are not alone.