Emergency Shelter

Upon entering River House, Inc., participants are welcomed by staff. Time will be taken to fill out the necessary intake forms. A bedroom is assigned and the participant is given a tour of the shelter. The shelter provides comfortable surroundings for participants and their children.

River House, Inc. domestic violence and sexual assault programs offer survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault a wide range of services. These services help each participant be safe and maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle free of violence.

First Meeting

Each program participant meets with an advocate to assess and identify needs and goals. Each participant will develop a service plan based on their individual goals and needs.

Services

River House, Inc. provides services directly and assists in accessing community resources. These services and resources include:

Individual Support 

Confidential and available either by phone 24 hours a day or in person.

 

Legal Advocacy Services

The Legal Advocacy Program assists domestic violence survivors throughout the legal process. While advocates do not give legal advice, they do seek to enhance the safety of women and their children by providing them with knowledge about their legal choices. Frequently this includes disseminating information, accompanying survivors in court, explaining the court process, and providing appropriate community contacts when necessary. The legal advocate provides survivors with the knowledge needed to empower them to make informed decisions.

Sexual Assault Services

The Sexual Violence Program at River House, Inc. provides a 24-hour hotline for immediate crisis intervention. A sexual violence advocate will stay with the survivor or their family at the hospital emergency department and provide clothing and referral information. The sexual violence advocate is available to attend police interviews and court proceedings with the survivor. In addition, individual and group counseling are available for the survivor and their family.

Support Groups

Combining education and peer support in a relaxed, safe, and confidential atmosphere.  The Healthy Relationship/Empowerment Group is a weekly educational program for victims and survivors of domestic violence who are interested in learning more about the dynamics of healthy relationships. It is a safe confidential place to discuss women’s issues. The Creative Journaling Group is a safe judgment-free support group where we can give and receive support as survivors of Sexual Violence.  The group incorporates creative activities and journaling to assist in processing the emotions surround the victim’s trauma.  Groups are held in various locations and times throughout our four county service area. It is the goal of the group to enrich women’s lives and help them to maintain healthy relationships by giving alternatives to violence. The topics of the group include assertiveness, boundaries, self-care, parenting, evaluating new relationships and self-esteem.

Children’s Support Group

The Children’s Support Group is a weekly educational program. It is a safe and confidential place for children who have experienced violence in their lives to meet and discuss topics such as safety planning, good esteem, and to understand that the violence is not their fault.

Other Services

River House, Inc. will assist participants in accessing such services as:

• Employment Assistance
• Long Range Planning
• Permanent Housing
• Budgeting
• Parenting and Children’s Services and Support (one-on-one)
• Academic and Vocational Growth and Development Services
• Support Services (food, clothing and personal needs)