Services

Emergency Shelter Program
The Emergency Shelter program provides food, shelter and clothing to women/children that need a safe place to stay until they are able to relocate to a place of their own. While in the shelter, the women attend support groups and are given assistance with job search, obtaining public assistance, housing, childcare and legal assistance.

Family Advocate
Once the families leave the shelter, the Family Advocate follows up with them for at least 6 months. The women are given help with budgeting, parenting skills, job search, life skills and transportation.

Children’s Advocate
The Children’s Advocate works with the young victims of domestic violence through play therapy and support groups to help them cope with what they have experienced.

Legal Advocate
The Haven’s Legal Advocate accompanies the victims to their court appearances, helps them obtain a Temporary Protection Order and walks them through the legal process.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Advocacy Program (TANF)
The TANF Advocate works with the Department of Family and Children Services to help the victim obtain public assistance through Medicaid, TANF Financial Assistance, Food Stamps, etc. and works as a liaison between the victim and the Department of Children Services.

Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization (RDVCV) Advocate
The RDVCV Advocate works with Child Protective Services (CPS) to help keep children out of foster care. Often the fact that the mother is a victim of domestic violence and is unable to protect her children is overlooked by Child Protective Services because their main focus is the safety/security of the children. These families could stay together if the abuser was removed from the home instead of the children. Getting help for the victims through The Haven’s programs helps CPS justify keeping the children out of foster care and keeps families together.

Rape Crisis Program
The Haven houses one of the few free-standing full-service rape crisis programs in the State of Georgia. Rape/Sexual Assault victims in The Haven’s nine county service area no longer have to be treated in the emergency room of their local hospital. The Rape Crisis Center provides confidential, private exams by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) who are certified and trained by the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault while allowing law enforcement to interview the victim while the details are still fresh in her mind. The RCC works with the victim through counseling, support groups and legal advocacy.

Volunteer Program
The Haven offers many volunteer opportunities. While The Haven provides help with rent, utilities, and other relocation expenses, placing a family in an empty apartment will only discourage the victim and cause her to consider returning to her previous situation. The Haven accepts donations of furniture, household good, clothing, food, diapers, toys, etc. for its clients to help them get setup once they relocate. The volunteers not only provide help picking up these items from the community but also sorting them and delivering these items to the victims. Upon completion of Volunteer Training, volunteers can work directly with clients and assisting in the various programs offered by The Haven.