The Retreat

Target demographics: people affected by violence and abuse

Geographic areas served: Suffolk County, New York & The East End

Programs: The Retreat operates a 24 hour emergency shelter that provides safe housing, food, clothing, child care, and case management (including medical and housing) for adults and children who have been victims of domestic violence and may be in imminent danger. Our shelter provides housing for a maximum of 18 people. The time frame is for a maximum of 90 days. Sometimes clients can get up to two 45 day extension granted. Services are available to victims who have fled an abusive situation. There is 24 hour staffing at the shelter. Security cameras and a security gate are in place to protect clients. While staying at the shelter, clients have access to counseling, advocacy, educational programs, housing assistance, help in obtaining public assistance and transportation. The Retreats counseling program sessions are based on empowerment and work through the painful issues related to domestic violence. Childrens counseling utilizes a play therapy approach. Counseling services are offered to all clients that are staying at our shelter as well as the other clients who reside in our catchment area and have contacted the agency for services. Counseling can last from 3 months to 1 year depending on circumstances. All counselors at the retreat are licensed social workers. Counselors provide information on assertiveness, arguing effectively, effects on children, and empowerment. Counseling services do not require documentation of violence incidents but counseling services are to be focused around domestic violence counseling. The fatherhood initiative program is a collaborative program to assist low-income, at-risk fathers intended to prevent incidences of family/domestic abuse and overcome challenges that inhibit men from being a responsible father to their children and positive support to their intimate partner/wives. The program targets men who are fathers of at least one minor child, suffolk county resident and is at least 18 years old. Many of these men are faced with challenges such as unemployment and/or living below poverty level and most are struggling with a) developing or maintaining healthy relationships with their children and intimate partner/wives b) learning how to parent or co-parent effectively and c) being able to support themselves and their families financially.