Domestic Violence Response Program
The Domestic Violence Response Program (DVRP), funded through a partnership with the St. Louis County Homeless Services Program and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is a comprehensive approach to responding to the needs of homeless women, children, and families who are impacted by domestic violence. Specifically, the program includes initial assessment and short term counseling for all shelter residents with current episodes or pasting histories of domestic violence; long term follow-up and counseling for primary and secondary victims of violence; 24 hour emergency support services to shelter residents in crisis, domestic violence education groups, and on-going consultation with homeless shelter providers.
Adult Counseling
The adult counseling component is designed to assist individuals who have experienced various forms of family violence, including incest, rape, child abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.
Children's Counseling
The Children's component is designed to help children understand that they are not alone in their experiences and they are not to blame for the violence. Common problems of these children include: low self esteem; the inability to make choices due to fears; the inability to express feelings; and the tendency to resolve all conflicts through violence.
Economic Education
A 12-hour group economic education curriculum (REAP) is also made available to all homeless residents in St. Louis County. All participants in the economic education program develop an individualized economic action plan with the assistance of our DV advocate. In addition to receiving core financial information on budgeting, credit, banking and investing, assistance is provided with dealing with creditors and emphasis on safety issues/concerns is provided throughout the curriculum. All women participate in credit counseling, and develop an individualized economic action plan.