Women’s Services
Individual Counseling
Support Groups
• Drop-in
Support Group
•
LIFE Support Group
Case Management
Information and Referrals
Financial Help
Transitional Housing
Individual Counseling
Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley offers free individual counseling to
women who are victims of intimate partner abuse. Our one-on-one meetings
offer confidential, non-judgmental support. Counseling is offered in
Spanish and English.
What to expect during individual sessions:
• A non-judgmental ear that listens.
• Safety planning for women, children and pets.
• Exploring personal choices and options – clients are encouraged
to make their own decisions – the intention is for her to feel
empowered.
• Gaining a greater understanding of the impact of domestic violence
on women and their children.
• Reviewing the red flags of an abusive relationship and using
a woman’s specific experiences as a guide.
• Exploring self-esteem and setting personal boundaries.
• Advocacy and support in the court and social services systems.
• Referrals to community resources.
When a client comes to Safe Shelter for counseling
they can expect the counselor to accept and validate their experience.
Crisis intervention and continuing counseling are
available. The first visit to Safe Shelter entails a 90-minute appointment,
when a woman completes paperwork and talks with a counselor. A woman’s
specific needs are matched to the different services at Safe Shelter.
If a particular service is not offered by Safe Shelter, an appropriate
referral is made.
For more information or to make a counseling appointment,
please call Safe Shelter’s administration line at 303.772.0432.
24-Hour support is provided by Safe Shelter’s
24-Hour Crisis Line at 303.772.4422.
Back to Top
Support Groups
Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley offers free group counseling to women
who are victims of intimate partner abuse. Our groups allow women to
come together and give one another support and validation by sharing
their experiences. Support groups can be a truly empowering and liberating
experience. Group counseling is offered in Spanish and English.
The benefits of receiving support from a group are:
• Connecting with a community of women
• Breaking the isolation that a victim often endures
• Acquiring knowledge about domestic violence
• Experiencing validation and support from other individuals who
understand
• Getting decision-making strength from one another
The support groups available at Safe Shelter are:
Drop-in Support Group
Every client of Safe Shelter is welcome to attend
this continuing support group. No commitment is required.
Since this group is drop-in, there is no limit set to the number of
people who may attend. This group offers support and addresses
topics and issues raised by those who attend. Drop-in groups meet
in the afternoon and evening. Please call Safe Shelter for more
information at 303.772.0432.
LIFE Support Group
Living In Female Empowerment (LIFE) is a 12-week educational
support group focused on teaching the skills for survivors of domestic
violence that will help them to feel better about themselves and their
futures. The group focuses on learning to set boundaries, improve self-esteem,
cope with various emotions, gain a deeper understanding of domestic
abuse, and how to avoid potential abusers (for more information on these
topics please see our about domestic violence
page).
The following rules apply to all groups held at
Safe Shelter:
• Respect other group members by being on time
• Come sober
• Treat others and yourself with respect
• Deal with anger or conflict in a safe, nonviolent way
• One person speaks at a time – no cross talk
• Do not speak for another
• Be accountable for what you say
• Comply with the group confidentiality agreement*
*Safe Shelter strongly enforces confidentiality
between all clients who attend a group. If any client compromises the
confidentiality of any group or group member, that client will be terminated
from all Safe Shelter services.
Please note that there is a formal intake or consultation process for
all new clients who want to participate in any group held at Safe Shelter.
For more information about groups, to set up an initial intake appointment,
or to inquire about registration for Support Groups please call Safe
Shelter’s administration line at 303.772.0432.
Back to Top
Case Management
Case Managers work directly with victims of domestic violence to address
all areas of concern. Our ultimate goal is to support victims in their
search for self-sufficiency. The Case Manager can be an important information
resource for victims of domestic violence. The Case Manager develops
individualized plans, which the client agrees to carry out.
The Case Manager helps with the following:
• Individual Assessment: By asking, the “right” questions
and reviewing the client’s file, the Case Manager better understands
the client and gains her trust.
• Goal-Setting: This consists of setting goals and objectives through
collaboration and the victim’s input.
• Ensure success: The client must learn to take one step at a time
if she is to achieve her personal goals.
• Referrals and Resources: Help from the community is necessary
for the client’s success. The Case Manager suggests referrals and
resources.
Back to Top
Information and Referrals
We provide information and referrals to all victims of domestic violence
who seek services from the Safe Shelter of St Vrain Valley. Before services
are provided a formal intake or consultation is conducted during which
the client’s needs are matched with available in-house services.
During this initial consultation we educate the client about specific
concepts of domestic violence, including the power and control wheel,
the equality wheel, substance abuse, and the need for a protective order,
etc. We may also work with clients to develop an appropriate safety
plan. We find out if the client has other specific service needs and
formal referrals by the Case Manager may be appropriate and are always
discussed with the client before any referral is made.
Back to Top
Financial Help
We find that many victims of domestic violence lack the freedom to monitor
and manage their own economic situation and need some orientation. Upon
request, we provide information about:
• Re-establishing your credit
• Your credit rating
• Your rights regarding creditors
• Checking and savings accounts
• Balancing a checkbook
• Budgeting
• Savings and investing
Back to Top
Transitional Housing
The Safe Shelter helps individuals and families in transition achieve
self-sufficiency by providing temporary transitional housing and support
services. We work with participants to ensure their success in becoming
independent individuals.
The Transitional Housing Program includes:
• Case Management for clients in transitional housing programs
sponsored by other agencies
• Case Management for clients in Shelter Plus, Safe Shelter’s
transitional housing program
• Coordinating housing resources
• Education and referrals
• Development of service plans for the client
• Monitoring progress toward goals and objectives developed by
the client and Case Manager
The goals of the Transitional Housing Program are to:
• Address the unique needs of each family and individual participant
• Help the participant reach the highest level of independence
and personal responsibility
• Successfully connect clients to resources that support positive
life choices
Back to Top
About
Safe Shelter
