A common misconception about domestic violence shelters is that their services stop after emergency shelter. While leaving an abusive relationship is a vital step toward safety, it’s only one part of rebuilding a life after domestic violence. After an immediate crisis passes, survivors may still face questions about housing, finances, employment, transportation, relationships, and what comes after.
Support continues far beyond just emergency shelter at Stepping Stone. With advocacy, safety planning, counseling, education, and transitional resources, survivors can build a foundation for greater stability and independence.
Safety Is The Foundation
Safety is a very important part of rebuilding, even after leaving an abusive relationship. Survivors have to think about housing arrangements, transportation, child care, ongoing contact with an abusive person, and protecting their personal information. Safety planning provided by our shelter helps identify potential concerns, creates a plan for responding to them, and helps protect an individual and their children during and after leaving an abusive situation.
A safety plan doesn’t mean a survivor has to live in fear; it means having resources, information, and options ready when they are needed.
Finding Stability After Emergency Shelter
Leaving emergency shelter can bring a new set of challenges, like finding affordable, safe housing; employment; managing finances; transportation; and everyday needs. We offer the Bridge Transitional Housing Program for survivors who are continuing their healing journey. The Bridge provides the next step for survivors who are meeting goals but still need that extra care after emergency shelter.
We offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments at no cost, giving participants a safe place to live while they work toward their goals. For someone who has spent months or even years focused on surviving, a stable place to live can create room to think about what comes next.
Learn more about The Bridge here.
Building Independence
Independence may look like working toward a new job to one person, while to someone else, it may mean financial stability, an education, transportation, or a safe home for their kids. Stepping Stone Shelter helps survivors work toward their individual goals while supporting them every step of the way. Our advocates are available to assist clients with various needs, including:
- Safety planning
- Basic Needs (Food, Shelter, Clothing, etc.)
- Advocacy
- Assistance navigating the legal system (including protective orders)
- Domestic violence education
- Support
- Help identifying options and resources
- Parenting support/ child advocacy
- Recognizing Healthy Relationships
- Support Systems
- Counseling
- Life Skills Training (employment, education, budgeting, parenting, etc.)
- Access to computer
- Self-Care, Self-Esteem, and Assertiveness Skills
- Coordination of services with other agencies
A Future Built On Choice
Domestic violence can take away a person’s autonomy and sense of control over their own life. Rebuilding means having the opportunity to make choices again. Our services are designed to meet survivors where they are and help them take those next steps.
You are not alone. Help is available. Call our 24-hour hotline: (866) 879-4615
