On this page you will find information regarding the vision the Women's Center has for our Children's Enrichment Program. Click on the topics below to find out more. Click here to return to the Children's Enrichment Program page.

Transitional Services | On-Site Counseling | Arts Therapy
Increased Staffing | Resources & Training

Transitional Services
Research has demonstrated that the most effective services for children who have experienced violence are long-term support programs for children, mothers, and families. Although we are currently able to provide comprehensive support services for families in our shelter after leaving our facility they often do not follow through with these services. In the future, the children's enrichment program aims to increase transitional support services for children and families after they leave the residential program. Back to Top

On-Site Counseling
As a direct result of the violence they experience, most children who come to the Women's Center manifest several symptoms that require immediate psychological attention. An on-site children's counselor would allow these children to receive the psychological support they need as soon as possible. Additionally, an on-site counselor would ease the difficulty all our children face in transitioning from an independent living environment to a communal residential program. Back to Top

Expressive Arts Therapy
T he children's enrichment program aims to start an expressive arts therapy group for children ages 5 and up. Art is a unique toll in therapeutic process it has the capacity to transcend language and cultural barriers. It helps children communicate feelings they otherwise may lack the vocabulary to explain or are reluctant to discuss. In the expressive arts group, children will work on projects that promote self-expression and self-knowledge. Back to Top

Increased Staffing
To provide the best possible services to families residing at the Women's Center, it will be necessary to increase the assistant child advocate to full-time. As we service 8-20 children at any given time, it is vitally important to have two full time staff members to work with the resident children and families and to address the current gaps in services provided. Back to Top

More Resources and Training Opportunities
The children's enrichment program would like to expand training opportunities and resources (including child development, children who witness/experience violence, parenting) for parents, volunteers, and residential staff members. Back to Top