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Our Domestic Violence/Rape Crisis program provides confidential services to
crime victims at no charge, with special emphasis on
domestic violence and sexual violence. Our goal is to
empower victims and their families, assist them in regaining control of their lives and
ultimately move towards healing.
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A New Beginning
“No matter how bad it
looks ….
everyone can have a new beginning.” |
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Imagine Shirley Rice’s surprise when Mary Interiano from
Lewis County Opportunities handed her a check for $5,000 to help her expand
her Day Care business. To say it was a good day is an understatement! Two
months ago, Mary helped Shirley apply for a Verizon Entrepreneurial grant
designed to help survivors of domestic violence with business start-up
funds. Shirley’s grant was accepted and soon she will be starting
construction on a large playground area for kids.
Shirley’s story started about 5 years ago when she found herself raising 5
children (ages 7-15) alone, with no job, no car, and no feasible way of
making a living. She was scared and had no idea where to turn. She smiles
now when she thinks of all the people who helped her along the way. Family,
friends, neighbors, church groups, and agencies such as Lewis County
Opportunities all stepped up to support her during her time of need. She
refused to let her situation keep her down for long. “Attitude makes a
tremendous difference” she stated.
Shirley home-schooled her children for years and knew that caring for
children was something she loved and was good at, so she took a 30 hour
course to become a certified day care provider. From there, she started her
business “Heart of Rainbows”, and is steadily increasing the number of
children she cares for. The grant award will help Shirley build upon her
great start.
Shirley’s hope is to show others that there is a way out and people should
not be too proud to ask for help. Five years ago—she felt as if she had
nothing and now she is a self sufficient business woman—doing what she loves
and realizing there’s hope for a bright future. “It takes a community … but
when you gather together with a common goal—you can’t fail!” Shirley cannot
express the gratitude she has for those who helped her, and when the time
comes for her to “pay it forward” … she will do so proudly.
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In 2011:
- 363 protected night were
provided at the safe dwelling;
- Crisis response was
provided to 169 callers utilizing the 24-hour crisis hotline;
- 16 trained volunteers
provided 6,722 hours of coverage for the 24 hour hotline;
- 965 counseling units were provided
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Our Services: |
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24 Hour Crisis Hotline
Call 376-HELP
(376-4357) anytime.
We accept collect calls. |
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You can also contact us at 376-8202,
ext. 4
during regular business hours. |
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Safe Dwelling
Services |
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Victims of domestic violence and their children are
provided with temporary, emergency shelter at a confidential location. While
in the Safe Dwelling, victims receive counseling, legal and personal
advocacy, information and referrals and awareness education. Our Safe Dwelling can accommodate up to 8 individuals, and
includes a newly designed recreational room for children and also a nursery. The dwelling also has a spacious
kitchen, dining
room, comfortable living room with cable television, and state-of-the-art security system. |
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Medical Crisis
Intervention |
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Advocates are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week
to provide crisis intervention to victims. An advocate will accompany the
survivor to the hospital to be examined. Advocates provide the victim with
emotional support as well as information. |
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Crisis Therapy |
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A licensed certified therapist is available to provide crisis
therapy at no charge to victims of domestic violence, rape, incest, stalking, and sexual
assault/abuse and their children. |
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Supportive Counseling |
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Supportive counseling is provided to help
victims discuss
feelings relating to the domestic violence and/or sexual assault/abuse and
to also help them identify their personal strengths, and redevelop feelings
of self-worth. Secondary victims such as parents, family and spouses may
also receive supportive counseling which provides them with an outlet to
verbalize their feelings. Education about the cycle of domestic violence
and/or sexual assault/abuse is discussed with victims and their children.
Supportive Counseling is offered in a private, comfortable setting. |
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Support Groups |
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Support Group meetings are held to help victims
understand and cope with the dynamics of domestic violence and the emotions
relating to sexual assault/abuse. Support Group meetings are held in a
confidential location. |
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Advocacy |
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Advocates are available to link victims to legal resources relating to domestic violence and sexual assault/abuse
(an example being Legal Aid of Mid-New York.) Advocates can accompany
victims to court, the District
Attorney’s office, law enforcement agencies, the hospital, and assist
victims in obtaining orders of protection. Advocates also assist victims and their
children in obtaining services from other human service agencies. |
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Information and Referrals |
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Individuals are provided with information and referrals to
valuable resources available in the community. |
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Crime Victims Compensation
Services |
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Advocates assist crime victims with filing compensation
claims with the NYS Office of Victim Services. Crime victims may be
eligible to receive compensation for the following:
- Medical and counseling expenses;
- Loss or damage of essential personal property;
- Burial/funeral expenses;
- Lost wages or lost support;
- Transportation to court for necessary court appearances for
prosecution;
- Occupational/vocational rehabilitation;
- Use of domestic violence shelters;
- Crime scene clean-up;
- Good Samaritan property losses;
- Moving expenses
Crime Victims Compensation services also ensure that all
crime victims are aware of their rights.
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Safe Pet Services |
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If a victim is hesitant of leaving an
abusive environment because of their love for their pets, Safe Pet services helps
to alleviate this concern. Shelter is available for up to two companion animals
(dogs and/or cats). The Safe Pet
Facility provides food, water, exercise and tender loving care for the
duration of the pet’s stay.
When entering the program, the owner must provide Opportunities with proof
of pet ownership. While maintaining weekly contact with the Domestic
Violence/Rape Crisis Program concerning the duration of the pets stay, pets
can be admitted for up to two weeks. Extensions are evaluated on an
individual basis. |
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Community Education and
Outreach |
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Community Educational programs are available to
schools, community groups or agencies who are interested in learning
more about the topics of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault,
stalking, child sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment. |
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Click on exit button if you need
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Copyright © 2003-2012 Lewis County Opportunities,
Inc.
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