Rise Celebrates its 40th Anniversary - (1/14/2019)
In October of 1979, the SOS Shelter first opened its doors to a waiting list of women and children seeking services. In the beginning the shelter was only able to accommodate up to 13 individuals and provided very basic services. Over the years the agency has expanded to offer comprehensive domestic violence services to fit the varied needs of the victims served. A non-residential program was started in 1989 with advocates providing assistance filing family offense petitions, court accompaniment, and legal information. The agency now offers counseling with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, four educational and therapeutic counseling support groups, a 24 hour hotline, community education. The residential program has also expanded over the years and is now the 2nd largest domestic violence shelter in the central New York region. The capacity is now up to 20 individuals, including men, at a maximum stay of 60 days. In addition to safety and housing in a confidential location, survivors also receive healthy meals, toiletries and clothing. Transportation to appointments, assistance locating permanent housing, employment and childcare resources, and crisis intervention counseling is provided by shelter staff.
2019 will also hold further development, with a full-time domestic violence attorney slated to join the staff. Rise will also continue a pilot program providing an educational group about domestic violence to female inmates who've experienced abuse at the Broome County Jail. Rise is proud to be the only licensed domestic violence provider in Broome County and staff look forward to the years ahead.
Show All News Headlines