By Fay Schuler | Director
The West’s Emergency Shelter program provides a holistic approach to services, taking in account many aspects of their lives. This includes domestic violence education prevention (including Native American specific domestic violence support groups) for women and children; parenting and life skills support; therapeutic art classes; spiritual counseling and support upon request; GED tutoring; educational resources and scholarships; employment specialists and resources; self defense workshops and self care opportunities. Each resident can select from these many options to meet their complex and individual needs.
Two years ago we implemented the Family Reunification Project to support survivors in completing Child Protective Services requirement to regain custody of their children who were removed from the family. Removal issues include children witnessing domestic violence, the mother's lack of resources and parenting skills, custodial interference and chemical dependency issues. Our Project is recognized as an effective resource for moms working to reunite with their kids in a safe and stable environment by Children's Protective Services through onsite collaboration for group and family activities, including trial overnight stays with their child in a visitation apartment that we set up for this purpose. The Family Reunification Project is unique to Portland Metro Area domestic violence residential services. The West supports the safe reunification of at least five survivors and their children each year.
Family Reunification is essential to the recovery of women leaving domestic violence relationships. As one mom recently said, “My baby was taken from me at birth and if it wasn’t for help I have received at the West he would not be with me today." This once fragile family is doing well and has moved into safe community housing.
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