Purpose & Goals

     The purpose of The Haven is to provide emergency shelter and services for victims of family violence and sexual assault.
      It is our goal at The Haven to provide victims of family violence with the necessary information, resources, support, a protected head start and supportive follow-up to complete the transition out of a violent lifestyle and into successful, independent living. The Haven has facilities to shelter 22 people. The facility and the toll-free crisis line are staffed around the clock, 365 days a year.

24-Hour Toll-Free Crisis Line

     A 24-hour toll-free crisis line, staffed by trained personnel, is available to anyone wishing to utilize the emergency shelter facility or the Outreach Programs.  
For assistance call:

24 Hour Toll Free Crisis Line                            In Valdosta Call
      1-800-33-HAVEN                                      229-244-1765

Emergency Shelter Program

     While in the shelter facility, victims and their children are provided food, clothing, medical and mental health referrals when needed, crisis intervention services, life skills re-education, referrals for job training or placement, legal advocacy and individual/group support.
• Support groups meet twice daily to help identify dysfunctional patterns and promote non-violent options for family interaction and parenting.
• Advocacy services provide supportive assistance to the victim who must file police reports, attend hearings or obtain arrest or enforcement information. Haven staff will accompany victims, at their request, to help insure the victim’s safety and comfort.
• Transitional assistance is provided through referrals to social service agencies, financial aid, legal assistance, education, housing and job preparation and placement.
• Therapeutic Day Care through the Children’s Program provides safe therapeutic services for children at the emergency shelter. Play therapy, children’s groups, outdoor play yard and educational activities help the children heal while their mothers work to begin their new lives.

Outreach Program Services

     Outreach services provide prevention, intervention and follow-up services as another option for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Since Outreach services can be provided before the situation has reached crisis level, the risk of serious injury to a woman or her children may be reduced. In addition, a woman transitioning out of safe shelter often requires ongoing support and assistance in order to maintain a violence-free lifestyle.