This project will assist women and their children left without a means to navigate through the system of domestic abuse outside of a shelter environment. Victims receive free domestic violence counseling, therapy, case management, safety plans, support groups, protective orders, crime victims' compensation applications, and shelter placement if needed. As the foundation that bridges the steps between not needing a shelter and not being able to afford the private counseling needed to help heal.
Since COVID-19 stay-at-home orders took effect, domestic violence in the Houston area has INCREASED by 35% and shelters have changed intake policies due to social distancing restrictions. Domestic violence affects all walks of life and if a woman does not need a shelter, she is less likely to know she can receive assistance such as counseling, legal or financial services to leave her batterer. Unfortunately, most people do not know that these services exist outside of a shelter.
Fresh Spirit bridges the gap between violence and freedom for domestic violence victims and survivors by offering counseling, supportive services, and overnight accommodations and supplies when needed. Fresh Spirit has pivoted from face-to-face services to virtual services allowing victims and survivors to continue to receive help at a time when most shelters have stopped. With your help, we will continue to provide the many services victims and survivors need to heal.
Your generosity will provide 492 survivors with supportive services, 1,159 hours of counseling, therapy, and case work, assist survivors through the criminal and civil justice system, and 126 hours of legal advocacy. As well as a network of support for victims to further their growth when they no longer need emergency shelter and ensure success in this journey to become survivors and truly self-sufficient so they may support themselves and their families as they live a life in peace and safety.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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