El Refugio Inc

Programs: Shelter services: el refugio operates a shelter 24 hrs/7days/week for battered women and their children. We provide temporary shelter for up to 90 days with 30 day reviews. Longer stays in the shelter are considered on a case by case basis. In this setting, safety and security are provided along with supportive services such as case management, life skills, victim advocacy, educational classes, linkages and referrals for housing, employment and health programs. Arrangements for male victims can be made as needed.

counseling services: el refugio offers group and individual counseling for adults and children. Group counseling offers participants the opportunity to know they are not alone. Individual counseling allows each woman/man to review her/his life circumstances and make the necessary changes in a relationship of trust with her/his therapist. The counseling department offers a safe place for children and adolescents to express themselves appropriately due to anxiety, confusion and guilt. The program includes play therapy, puppetry, sand tray therapy, games, education and groups.

victim advocacy services: el refugio has victim advocates who assist in the domestic violence protection order process. Victim advocates educate the victims about their options and provide support and assistance with civil or criminal court proceedings. Victim advocates assist clients to complete or file paperwork for temporary restraining orders, prepare victims for court hearings and refer high risk cases for legal counsel. Victim advocates support clients at court hearings, educate on victim rights and victim compensation. Victim advocates assess clients needs and assist clients and their children in obtaining benefits and/or services needed such as couseling, clothing, housing, food, child care, medical and mental health services. Additionally, victim advocates provide advocacy to battered immigrant women, including assistance with vawa self-petition application or assistance obtaining legal counsel when necessary.

dv offender treatment and intervention services: el refugio domestic violence offender treatment and intervention program is comprised of 52 week sessions held in four locations in two counties for men or women who are court mandated to attend. Dvoti program curriculum is to facilitate the process of change through critical thinking approaches. The program provides case management as needed, quarterly evaluation of goals to gauge client's learning process, provide courts monthly reports on compliance for attendance and participation, referrals for alternative services for counseling, substance abuse, medical or mental health treatment when necessary. Dvoti program provides an opportunity for hope to families whose lives are adversely affected by the painful and destructive dynamics of domestic violence.