Houston County Women's Resources
"Houston County Women's Resources mission is to provide non-judgemental crisis intervention and advocacy to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and homelessness. We are a grassroots organization advocating for these causes and encouraging self-advocacy in program participants."
Description:
Houston County Women's Resources vision is: "To create a non-violent world which affirms the rights and dignity of all individuals. We celebrate diversity among all persons and recognize their equality. We seek a world in which women and children are empowered to make choices and experience personal freedom, and all people have the understanding and skills to live non-violently. Everyone has the right to live in a safe and peaceful world".
HCWR's core programs address the concerns of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and homelessness. Current Houston County Women's Resources Services include 24-hour crisis line, legal advocacy, information and referral, parent education classes, safe homes, ongoing advocacy, support groups and supervised visitation. Programs include The Children's Program, S.A.F.E. (Safety Assured Family Exchanges), Adult Programs, and June Kjome Place Transitional Housing.
History:
Houston County Women's Resources was born in 1981, but was registered as a private, non-profit Minnesota corporation on July 30, 1984. Its purpose is "To fill women's needs for support in crisis through personal interaction, support groups, educational programs and counseling. . . ." The role of an advocate of HCWR is not to intervene in a situation involving family violence, but to be there when a woman reaches out. All of our staff will listen, be nonjudgmental, give whatever support is asked for, and to offer options. The ultimate goal is to empower women to make their own choices. Consequently, our motto "Women helping women help themselves" evolved.
HCWR provides services to anyone, including about 5% men annually. However, we were founded on the fact that oppression and violence against women is a problem that needs to be addressed. This problem continues today. Women need to be part of the solution--we can make change happen!
Our work has been recognized with various awards including a 1996 "MN Woman of the Year" award for then Executive Director, Linda Riddle, from Chrysalis; a 1997 "Ownership/Management of Affordable Housing" award, and a 2003 "Ann Bancroft Award". HCWR staff present workshops at both the state and national conference level and clients are willing to tell their stories on panels and to lawmakers, influencing policy and funding decisions.
Contact person: Robin Yaffe Tschumper, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (507) 894-2678
Address:
Web Site: http://www.hcwr.org
| Last updated on May 12, 2009 |
