Shelter

The primary focus of the shelter is to provide physical and emotional safety for women and children fleeing domestic violence.  The  shelter has the capacity to house a maximum of six women and twelve children and is in a confidential location. It is staffed 24 hours a day and each family may stay for a period of twelve weeks. Women staying in the shelter participate in several weekly support groups that focus on domestic violence awareness, life skills, self-esteem, parenting skills, and house meetings.  During weekly individual meetings, HAWC advocates empower women to achieve their self-determined goals.

Children's Program*

The Children's Advocate, with the help of volunteers and other staff, maintains both a daily and weekly schedule of recreational and therapeutic events to mitigate the negative developmental effects of growing up in a violent home. A very important program at the Shelter is The Nurturing Program which helps mothers with general parenting information and disciplines, introducing ways to set limits with love and consistency. Advocates network with other local programs and agencies serving children in order to maintain an up-to-date resource and referral system. Groups for children include Girl Scouts, art therapy, drama therapy and domestic violence awareness.

*Funding for this program is provided in part by the City of Salem Department of Planning & Community Development, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. Because domestic violence cuts across all socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, cultural, and age groups, the individuals served by HAWC are diverse with regard to all these demographics.