FAMILY VIOLENCE SERVICES providing safe shelter, healing and stability for victims of domestic violence and their families.
security healing
empowerment
PROVIDING SAFETY &
independence from abuse
partnership programs
impact
the entire circle of life Partnership for Families, Children and Adults is a non profit organization that provides the tools and resources for families in our community to build better lives. Partnership reaches a diverse range of families and individuals through five Centers of Service. Each of these Centers focuses on the unique needs and is staffed by experienced social workers, counselors and other trained professionals. Together, these separate but complimentary Centers of Service provide support to famillies and individuals who may have many related needs.
YOUTH SERVICES
ELDER SERVICES
restoring and rebuilding family relationships to empower youth
reclaiming independence and dignity for our elders
FAMILY STRENGTHENING SERVICES helping families cope with crisis and find lasting stability
$ CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING securing personal financial freedom
CRISIS SERVICES giving hope to victims of domestic violence and rape
family violence services
1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Partnership’s Family Violence Center seeks to stop the cycle of domestic violence by providing safe shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and job training to victims of abuse. Partnership staff also prioritizes the physical, emotional and educational well-being of the children involved. Victims of domestic violence benefit from regular individual counseling and support groups. Partnership works diligently to educate the general public, law enforcement, and all organizations about family violence issues and encourages an end to domestic violence.
did you kn ow? A 24/7 Crisis Hotline is operated by Partnership Volunteers and Staff to provide emergency resources and referrals to families in crisis.
96% of those discharged from Partnership’s Family Shelter said that they felt their physical safety had increased.
433.755.2700
Domestic Violence occurs in every culture, country and age group. It affects people from all socioeconomic, educational, and religious backgrounds.
LAST YEAR,
10,867 individuals received crucial information and assistance for rape and domestic violence services in the past year through the Crisis Hotline.
Partnership’s Family Violence Center provided 7,472 bed nights of shelter to women and children.
meet kathy As her husband slammed the front door, Kathy flew into action. After 18 years of physical and verbal abuse towards her and increasing verbal abuse to her children, Kathy knew it was time to go. Kathy had been planning the escape for over a year but now as the adrenalin pumped through her she had to maintain an outward appearance of normalcy and calm so her six children wouldn’t be frightened. As his truck disappeared from the driveway, Kathy quietly informed her children that they were going on a trip. She instructed the older girls to help the younger children pack some clothing and a toy. Kathy and her children were headed to a shelter – a safe haven at the Partnership. Years later as Kathy looks back on the experience she credits the kind words and knowledge of the Partnership Family Violence Center with knowing exactly how to help her. Kathy says, “I knew we had to leave but I couldn’t have done it without their help in getting back on my feet. No sane woman with six kids would think they could make it on their own but with their help I did.” Kathy’s oldest daughter is a recent Master’s Level graduate and a young professional working in the area. Kathy’s family is happy and healthy; no longer living in fear.
meet
IDALIA
partnership creates
independence.
Shivering in the snow, Idalia lay beaten and bruised on her front lawn. Her husband had let her have it during one of his tyrannical spells. She was locked out of her countryside home with only dresses, shoes and a hairdryer strewn about the lawn. This wasn’t the first time she had been tossed out after a brawl, but she knew it had to be the last. Though repeatedly told by her husband that the law could not protect her, Idalia knew she had to leave her abuser. Idalia went to the local Sheriff, who found a safe place for her to stay. She was given shelter at Partnership’s Domestic Violence Center, where she found relief in the comfort of counselors and women who shared similar experiences. Partnership provided Idalia with legal assistance, enabling her to file for divorce, tell her story in front of a judge and get a restraining order against her abuser. Idalia also participated in support groups, job training and parenting classes while staying at the shelter. She is now independent and living safely with her son far from abuse. Thanks to investors in Partnership programs, Idalia not only found safety, but she also received the tools necessary to build a better life.
story Mary's Mary shook with fear as Tom held a gun to her head. He spun the cylinder and laughed before pulling the trigger. Mary collapsed in relief when the chamber was empty. Mary and Tom ran a business from their home. He would wake her up two or three times during night to check on the computers. Mary was not allowed to answer the door or the phone, and Tom accompanied her on errands. Finally, Mary started taking her clothes and those of their daughter’s out of the house and storing them in a plastic bag in the barn. When she had stored enough to be able to leave, she stole some money from the business to pay for a cab. Mary had seen the number of the Family Violence Hotline on a poster in a restaurant bathroom. She went to a payphone and called the Hotline; caseworker Ann arranged for Mary and Amy to enter the Shelter. When she entered the shelter, Mary was afraid that Tom would come after her. Ann assured her that the shelter was safe and had quick access to the police department. She also put everyone on alert for Tom. Ann provided Mary with crisis counseling and an understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence. The two established a service plan for Mary that included filing an order of protection, finding a job and long-term counseling. As the days passed, Mary gained more confidence in her ability to make it on her own. Mary’s daughter, Amy, met with the Shelter’s Children’s Advocate, who talked with her about safety issues and helped her to be less afraid. Mary quickly found a job and arranged childcare for Amy and, after thirty days, was able to move into the Shelter’s New Visions Program. Partnership’s New Visions provides safe, independent housing on a temporary basis for formerly abused women and their children. During their time in Transitional Housing, an FVSS case manager provides counseling, referral to community resources and ongoing support, while the women work, in order to accumulate funds with which, ultimately, to become independent. The Transitional Housing Case Manager helped Mary continue the service plan established in shelter and to attend weekly support groups. When Christmas came, a holiday donor from the community provided presents for Amy and Mary, who said that this was the best Christmas she had had in many years. As she gained strength and self-confidence, she completed her GED and plans to continue her education. Tom has put ads in the paper telling Mary how much he loves her and begging her to come home. He has repeatedly called her mother to determine her location. Mary saw him during the court hearing for the Order of Protection, but has had no further contact with him since that time. The Partnership helps women like Mary end the cycle of domestic violence, providing independence and stability to ensure long term success.