Free and Confidential Family Violence Services

EMERGENCY SHELTER

A safe place to stay for women, children and men. Even if you have a safe place to stay, you can still receive free services through the nonresidential program. Services are provided at the Shelter, or an advocate is available to meet with you in a safe location in Gonzales, Karnes, or Wilson counties and in the Schertz/Cibolo area.

CRISIS HOTLINE

Call 1-800-834-2033 and speak to an advocate to obtain services, information, or simply talk to someone who understands. Calls can be anonymous.

SAFETY PLAN

Assistance helping you to be safer in abusive situations; when preparing to leave an abusive relationship; safety planning with your children; in your home, work, and in public; safety with a protective order; and your emotional health.

CRISIS INTERVENTION

Trained Advocates are available 24/7 to offer compassionate support and help in understanding your options and next steps. Crisis intervention is offered through the Crisis Hotline and in person through accompaniment services 24/7. In person Crisis Intervention is also available on a walk-in basis during regular business hours. Please call us for hours and location information.

LEGAL ADVOCACY

Services include assistance with applying for an Emergency or Permanent Protective Order; Crime Victims Compensation, which can help with crime related costs such as relocation and housing, day care, medical expenses, crime related travel, and other expenses if eligible; assistance with divorce and child custody matters; accompaniment to court; and immigration issues – assistance with the process of obtaining legal status. Your batterer or law enforcement cannot have you deported under the protection of the Violence Against Women Act.

VICTIM ADVOCACY

Advocates will listen to your unique needs and inform you of your options and available resources. With your permission, advocates will speak to others on your behalf, such as law enforcement, healthcare professionals, prosecutors, and housing. Advocacy is available 24/7 through our Crisis Hotline and Accompaniment services. Advocacy is also available on a walk-in basis during regular business hours. Please call us for hours and location information.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Service planning and assistance including help applying for TANF, SNAP (food stamps), housing, and other programs; school enrollment; daily problem solving; clothing; food; budget management; and goal attainment.accompaniment to court; and immigration issues – assistance with the process of obtaining legal status. Your batterer or law enforcement cannot have you deported under the protection of the Violence Against Women Act.

COUNSELING

Individual and group counseling, tailored to your needs.

SUPPORT GROUPS

• HEART (Help End Abusive Relationship Tendencies) - Similar to a 12-Step program, HEART helps you with issues such as self-esteem and self-sufficiency while examining your choices and encouraging healthy relationships. Also referred to as Domestic Violence Recovery Class.
• Parenting – Specifically for families who have experienced domestic violence. Covers dynamics of abuse, effects on our parenting, emotional needs of children witnessing abuse, parenting and communication styles, safety planning, and more. Approved by CPS as Protective Parenting.

OUTREACH SERVICES

Providing services to clients at locations throughout Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes and Wilson counties, including legal advocacy, victim advocacy, case management, HEART, parenting, and accompaniment.

ACCOMPANIMENT

Accompaniment and support while attending court proceedings, interacting with law enforcement, and medical appointments.

SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES

Assistance with budgeting and financial literacy; help with GEDs and educational goals.

INFORMATION & REFERRALS

Referrals to other service agencies.

CHILD ADVOCACY

Help with school enrollment, school supplies, clothing, and school related concerns; help with resources such as WIC and Medicaid; recreational activities; holiday parties, and other services.

LIMITED TRANSPORTATION

Transportation to criminal justice agencies, medical appointments, school related appointments, and to other assisting agencies.