Outreach Thrift Stores

Emergency Shelter

Our Emergency Shelter provides a safe place for victims and their children to obtain services and begin to heal after experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Victims recieve a "Care Package" upon arrival that provides them with all of their basic hygeine needs. Children entering the shelter are also greeted with a stuffed animal to give them comfort during their stay. With a full kitchen and pantry, laundry room, and all of the necessesties provided, victims and their children also have an opportunity to begin creating a new routine with safety and security. We are staffed 24 hours, 7 days a week by trained advocates and volunteers, ensuring that residents at our shelter have access to support and services when they need it most.

 

Crisis Hotline 

Available to callers 24 hours, 7 days a week, our Crisis Hotline is answered by trained advocates that can assist with everything from information about services to crisis counseling. (828) 652-6150

 

Hospital Accompaniment

When a victims requires hospitilazation, they can request that an advocate be present with them at the hospital. We work with our local hospital to coordinate this service and ensure access is available to victims when requested. Advocates provide support, crisis counseling, and other appropraite services while with the victim. 

 

Domestic Violence Protective Orders/Court Advocacy

After experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual assault, many victims may be interested in seeking additional protection in the form of a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO). To find out more about whether you qualify for a DVPO, you can call our Crisis Hotline or visit this website. If you wish to file a DVPO, our trained advocates and volunteers are avialble to assist you through the process. Our Court Advocates are also present on your court date(s) to provide you with support and to ensure that you recieve the appropraite copies of your paperwork. We also provide Legal Aid of North Carolina referrals, which can allow clients that qualify to have free attorney representation at their DVPO hearing.

 

Support Group/Individual Counseling 

Having a strong support system is a vital part of recovering from the traumatic effects of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. While some victims may have support systems already in place (family members, friends, co-workers, etc.), many victims have lost contact or connections with their loved ones due to the isolation created by their abusive partner. To help rebuild those support systems, we offer a variety of support groups for victims and survivors. 

 

• Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims/Surivivors Support Group

Free and open to the public, this Support Group focuses on topics such as self-esteem, safety, finding yourself, and other information that victims and survivors can benefit from. 

Held at McDowell County DSS every other Thursday from 12:30 - 1:30pm.

• Sheltered Clients Support Group

Clients and children staying at our Emergency Shelter have access to support groups within the safety of our shelter. 

• Special Support Groups

Topics can also be tailored to the participants, including those for youth. If you are interested in a special support group, please contact us! 

 

Clothing Vouchers

Sometimes victims escape from violent situations with only the clothing on their backs. We understand that along with the stress of leaving, there are often financial stressors, which is why we provide clients with free Clothing Vouchers to our Outreach Thrift Stores. 

 

Safety Planning/Case Management

Leaving an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous time for victims and their children. When the abusive partner feels they have lost control, violence may escalate and can even reach the point of domestic violence homicide. We understand the dangers in leaving, as well as those associated with staying, so safety planning with victims is an importnat piece of our work. Victims interested in a safety plan can work with an advocate to create a personalized plan for themselves and their children. For more info on safety plans, check out this link. 

 

Case Management is provided to victims so that they can begin to develop goals, explore their options, and build upon the strengths they already possess. Working with trained advocates and volunteers, victims can begin to build the skills and support they need to be successful and safe while creating a new life for themselves and their children.

 

Community Education

We believe that education and awareness are essential for intiating social change. To promote both, we provide several different options and services.

 

• Presentations for Small Groups, Churches, Organizations, and Businesses can be tailored to the needs of your group. Our presentations ususally include basic information about domestic violence and sexual assault, national and local statistics, our services, and how you can help. Please contact us if you are interested in setting up a presentation date!

• Trainings can include topics such domestic violence and sexual assault in the workplace, response to domestic violence and sexual assault, and more. Please contact us if you are interested in setting up a training!

• Events held by Family Services and the community give us a chance to spread the word about our mission and services. If you would like to find out more about upcoming events or to invite us to your event, please contact us!

 

New Services

We are excited to announce the addition of these new services at Family Services! Here is some basic information about each new service:

• Job Counseling 

Domestic violence victims may have been absent from the workplace for various reasons, so our job counseling services address their lack of experience or gaps in work history with services that build upon their strengths and skills. After job counseling, victims will have more confidence in their ability to join the workforce!

• Job Training and Placement

Victims can recieve training at our Outreach Thrift Stores to learn skills necessary for work in the Customer Services industry. We also assist victims with job searches, resume creation, and other activities that give them the potential to obtain employment in the area.

• Health Education and Counseling 

Physical health is an important part of a healthy, productive lifesyle. With this in mind, we provide victims with information on the importnance of preventative care, nutrition and healthy eating, and information about local health care providers. We also have regular exercise and healthy cooking demonstrations for victims at our Emergency Shelter. 

• Financial Management 

Financial planning and management can be a daunting task for anyone, but for victims of violence it can be even more so. Victims can recieve assistance with everything from assistance with taxes, budgeting, and other financial information from our advocates and partnering agencies.

• Educational Services 

From information about available educational opportunities and training, assistance with FAFSA, and more, we provide victims with assistance they need to learn about education, employment, and unemployment services available to them.

 

 

And more! Please contact us for information on more available services.