case statement

Avalon’s mission focuses on our three core programs;

Emergency Shelter Program:

A 19 room facility that provides room and board, and counseling for up to 45 days free of charge. The Emergency Shelter budget is: $275,000.00

Transitional Housing Program:

Six apartments are offered to Emergency Shelter residents who qualify. Transitional residents must have a job and pay a nominal rent, attend life skills courses, and counseling is provided if requested. The Transitional Housing budget is: $93,000.00

Community Outreach Program:

Counseling, legal advocacy services and school based educational programs dealing with prevention are provided throughout the community free of charge. The Community Outreach Budget is: $180,000.00

Funding

Avalon is able to fund all but 17% ($69,000) of its mission based salaries through state and federal as well as community grants. The need for additional corporate and private support is ongoing and becoming more and more critical as government funding decreases.

• Overall Services: 24-hour HelpLine – Anytime day or night, a staff member is available for support, information, referrals or assistance in a crisis. The number is (757) 258-5051.
• Shelter – Emergency housing and transitional apartments are available for women and children who need a safe place to stay or who choose to leave their abusers.
• Counseling – Weekly support groups, individual counseling and school-base counseling are provided for women, men and children.
• Accompaniment – Staff and volunteers accompany women to the hospital, police station, court or social service agencies.
• Legal Advocacy – Avalon’s legal advocate attends family and domestic violence court sessions to inform women of their rights, explain procedures, provide referrals and offer our services.
• Educational Presentations – Staff and volunteers speak to community groups and schools about Avalon and issues surrounding domestic and sexual violence.

During FY 2006-2007, the emergency shelter housed 135 women and children while the transitional apartments accommodated 30 women and children. Of the six women who transitioned from the Transitional Housing Program, 5 had full-time jobs and had secured their own permanent housing upon exit. Since its full inception in March 2007, there has been 100% participation by residents in the Life Skills Program. One hundred eighteen women received services through our Outreach Office and 110 youth were involved in our school-based program. Legal advocacy provided services for 147 women in need of protective orders and court accompaniment.

Beyond the scars inflicted on the victims there is a cost to the entire community. Every time law enforcement responds to a 911 call, the community pays. When a rape victim is seen at the emergency room and evidence is gathered, the community pays. When employers contend with victims in their employ who are habitually absent or less productive because of the abuse, the community pays. When an abuse case goes to court, the community pays. Yet, these economic costs can be determined relatively easily. The social costs are more difficult to calculate. When one in four intimate relationships are impacted by physical or emotional abuse, our entire social fabric is at risk. Recent statistics reported in the Family Violence Prevention Fund study found that children of abusive homes are twice as likely to abuse their partners in the future, are more inclined to aggressive behaviors, have a higher incidence of physical and mental illness and are more inclined to abuse illegal substances. Abuse knows no boundaries regardless of economic, racial or educational background.

Avalon offers the programs and facilities to provide public awareness, prevention and intervention. However, staff and volunteers alone cannot complete the work. We need the financial support of the community to assure we can cover the depth and breadth of services.