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Women's Services first opened the doors of The Greenhouse in 1978. Since then, WSI has provided a safe haven for the women and children of Crawford County who are in crisis due to domestic violence, sexual violence or homelessness. The Greenhouse provides over 5,000 days of shelter annually.
Often, a shelter is the only option for a woman who wants to leave a violent relationship. It may not be safe for her to stay with friends or family members because the abusive partner is aware of these locations. Or, she has become so isolated from a support network that there is nowhere else to go for help. Shelter provides a safe and supportive environment where women and their children to heal physically and emotionally.
Every woman entering shelter develops a work plan with a counselor/advocate. This plan is used to outline goals and the steps that must be taken to reach those goals; for example, finding safe housing, exploring
employment opportunities, arranging for
childcare and transportation needs and
accessing available legal protection. While in
shelter, guests can meet with their
counselor/advocate to discuss their progress
towards achieving these goals. In addition,
each resident is invited to take part in group
programs including parenting skills, domestic
abuse education, and support groups.
Many of these families and individuals come
to us without anything--including clothing,
medications, toiletries, baby supplies,
furniture or other necessary everyday items.
Upon entering The Greenhouse, our guests
receive essential supplies for themselves and
their children and later, once they have
secured permanent housing, household
items that will help them create a new and
comfortable living environment.
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SHELTER
