The Coordinator of Shelter Services, DVSV Advocate and Family Advocate all provide advocacy services for shelter residents and their children.  The shelter advocates offer to meet with residents to empower the resident in creating a plan to achieve their goals while temporarily staying at the shelter. The average shelter stay is 2 weeks – 30 days. When a client leaves the shelter they can continue to receive nonresidential services through the community services office. Advocacy services are based on the clients individual needs.

The Family Advocate may be assisting a parent/guardian navigate their cases with child welfare; getting children registered for school; connecting with specific resources for their children. If there is a child who has some special needs due to their cognitive and emotional development the Family Advocate will assist in connecting the family to the appropriate resources and will advocate for the children while they are staying in the shelter. At times the resident will stay in contact with the Advocate after they leave the shelter through the completion of those processes at the request of the resident.

The Coordinator of Shelter Services and DVSV Advocate may need to advocate on behalf of a resident who is dealing with immigration issues. The abuser may have taken their papers, they may need to apply for a Visa, or they may need assistance in obtaining legal services. At times the resident will stay in contact with the Advocate after they leave the shelter through the completion of those processes at the request of the resident.

The Advocates may need to provide court advocacy for protective orders and at times criminal proceedings. The resident may need assistance with situations that the abuser has created that resulted in charges pending against them. Advocates are available to accompany residents to file a police report against the abuser.

The Advocates provide advocacy services when residents are working with agencies who do not understand their situation and need a third party to help clarify what they need. It is not uncommon for the Advocates to provide advocacy for residents to obtain mental health services or substance abuse services. 

For further information you can contact (405) 701-5540.