THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & RAPE CRISIS DEPARTMENT

• 24-hour hotline- 376-HELP (4357)

• Information and Referrals- 376-8202 ext. 4

• Supportive Counseling- Advocates assist survivors with personal strengths, the development of self-worth, and progressive healing.

• Support Group-Meetings are held to assist women understand and cope with the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault.

• Safe Dwelling- Provides temporary shelter at a confidential location to women and their children in need of a safe haven.

• Advocacy- Advocates provide support to survivors at hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and other human service agencies.

• NYS Crime Victims Board- Assistance in obtaining compensation benefits for victims who have suffered undue hardships or are in need of services.

• Therapy - A licensed therapist is available to provide counseling.

• Weatherization Program- Provides services designed to reduce energy costs for those who are income eligible. Services include hi-tech energy audits, air sealing, insulation, and services to raise the efficiency of heating systems.

• Emergency Food & Shelter Program- Provides assistance with rent, mortgage, and utilities in emergency situations.

• Christmas Sharing- Provides gifts for children and family food baskets at Christmas.

• Lewis County Food Pantry- Five pantries throughout Lewis County provide an emergency three day supply of food for those in need.

• Facilitated Enrollment Program- Provides community services for the enrollment process of the Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus and Medicaid programs. Also provides outreach and education of the programs.

• Niagara Mohawk Affordability Plan- Energy audits for income eligible households.

• Representative Payee Program- Administers Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for families that require assistance with their finances. Opportunities distribute these monies for the families daily living needs, as well as managing savings accounts and burial funds.

• Second Hand Barn Shoppe- Provides used furniture to families in need.

• Wheels For Work Project- Donated used passenger vehicles are provided to qualifying low income families who are lacking reliable transportation to obtain employment and become self reliant.

THE YOUTH DEPARTMENT

• Opportunities For Youth Program- Provides enrichment opportunities for youth to experience cultural/educational activities, develop life skills and supports a Youth Council.

• CAREERS - Coordination Assessment Resources Experiences Exploration Referrals Support - a community based program providing exposure and experiences to employment opportunities and training to youth participants while encouraging them to remain in school.

• Car Seat Loaner Program - Provides car seats and booster seats for infants and toddlers at a low rental fee for income eligible families.  Short term rentals and rent to own/purchase for a low fee of new and used seats available.

• Housing Assistance Program- Provides assistance with rent payment to income eligible persons in Lewis and Jefferson Counties.

• Family Self-sufficiency program (FSS)- Provides a Section 8 certificate to families wishing improve their education and/or job skills.