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CONNECT | a newsletter from the Crisis Shelter
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We give them shelter...You make it possibleŽ
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ADVOCACY
The Advocacy Department consists of four advocates who provide accompaniment and support to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, juvenile crimes, any crime against the elderly and all other violent crimes.
Services Provided:
~Court Accompaniment
An advocate will go with you to all criminal court and PFA hearings to provide support.
~Court Preparation
Ad advocate will explain everything you will have to do while going through the court process.
~Safety Planning
Safety planning for someone involved in an abusive relationship is a necessary and important step. Planning can be used while you are still with your abuser or after the relationship has ended. While still in an abusive relationship, your safety is of primary importance.
~Assistance with PFAs
A Protection From Abuse order is a civil order that provides protection from harm by family or household members, sexual or intimate partners or persons whom you have a child with.
~Victim's Compensation
Advocates inform and assist victims who may be eligible to file a claim for medical expenses, counseling, loss of earnings, loss of support, stolen cash, relocation, funeral or crime scene clean-up due to victimization.
~Training to Police and Other Professionals
Advocates provide high quality training on a variety of topics regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, and crime victim services.
~Victim Rights
Victims of crime have rights and there are standards in place to help ensure that victims receive information, practical and emotional support, and are eligible to participate fully in the criminal justice system. Advocates explain what these rights are.
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SUCCESS STORY | In Appreciation!
I want to express my gratitude to the Advocates of the Crisis Shelter. Through your genuine expression of concern for my safety and the safety of my children, I have gained strength and confidence to persevere during dangerous and very difficult situations. Each of you has given time, effort and support to me in ways that could never be repaid. The reality of your involvement has been my continued existence. I am confident that actions, influences and voices of the Crisis Shelter have been the largest contributing factor in the outcome of my situation. Without your assistance and representation, my case would have gone unheard, unnoticed and unattended until something terrible occurred.
With this in mind, I cannot express enough how grateful I am to each of you. You respected, supported and cared for me enough to extend your concerns to the District Attorney, which was pivotal in the outcome. Without this type of support and vigilance, my life WOULD be different at this point.
Perhaps through all of this Lawrence County will become more proactive and individuals in these situations will be better protected.
With my utmost respect and sincere appreciation, I offer my thanks to all of you!
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ----Leo Buscaglia |
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 Thank you!
Christmas at the Crisis Shelter requires a lot of planning and help from a generous and caring community. We have received unbelievable support from organizations, individuals, churches, and businesses - nearly 500 gifts - this year in order to provide Christmas to those who come to us for support and safety. We were also able to provide an amazing Christmas party for the children and their families.
Christmas is a trying time for families fleeing abuse and the goal of the Crisis Shelter is to provide a refuge where healing can begin and hope can be restored.
As always, thank you for your generosity! |
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Lethality Assessment
The Crisis Shelter kicked off a domestic violence lethality assessment program on December 5th with New Castle and Ellwood City police departments. Based on the Maryland Model Lethality Assessment Program (the only evidence based program in the country) the Crisis Shelter coordinates with police officers to help domestic violence victims see the reality of their situation more rapidly and aid them in accessing life-saving services. The psychological mindset of victims of domestic violence often prevents them from seeking services they need. This program helps move victims to services more quickly, thereby reducing repeated and long-term abusive situations.
Initiated by the Crisis Shelter, New Castle and Ellwood City will be the first police departments to implement the evidence-based lethality assessment in conjunction with a victim service provider. The goal of the program is to prevent homicides as well as serious injury, re-victimization and re-assault of domestic violence victims.
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Paint For Peace
Community members were invited to submit artwork depicting a domestic violence awareness theme with winning artwork to be included in a 2012 calendar available to purchase at the Crisis Shelter. First place winner was Ally Fuchs, second place was Emily Maxwell and third place went to Noah Baumis.
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Wish List - current Shelter needs
- Large plastic ontainers for food storage.
- Large storage baggies and freezer baggies
- Sugar and coffee
- Lysol
- Aluminum Foil
- Trash bags - large and kitchen size
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THE CRISIS SHELTER TEAM WISHES YOU THE BEST 2012 HAS TO OFFER!
Looking Ahead:
30th Anniversary Gala Auction - February 25, 2012
http://crisisshelter.org/2010/12/10/22nd-annual-auction/
Scottish Rite Cathedral, 110 E. Lincoln Avenue, New Castle, PA 16101
To purchase tickets, make a donation, place a program ad, or be a sponsor please call 724-856-4323
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Watch for these public awareness events:
- Team Awareness Walk
- Virtual Texting Rally
- Awareness March at Westminster & Slippery Rock University
~~To view our Annual Report:
http://crisisshelter.org/2011/10/28/annual-report-2010-2011/
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Contact Info:
Barb Clingensmith
Office Manager/Editor
724-856-4323
info@crisisshelter.org |
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The Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County empowers and advocates for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes. We inspire and educate citizens to create safer communities and break the cycle of violence. | |
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