|
Crisis Line: 651.772.1611
There are countless ways that we support a woman and children in crisis. As the Family Advocate works with her, they proceed from one step to the next, but it is the woman who determines her own path and makes her own decisions.
In 2004 Casa de Esperanza served 586 battered Latinas and children in the community and 183 women and children at El Refugio.
In 2003 we received 4,381 calls on our crisis line--2/3 of those calls were in Spanish.
Means of Support
Our 24-hour bilingual crisis line provides a Latina with an opportunity to speak with someone who understands her and will be of assistance.
We support women in court and advocate for them--in obtaining Orders for Protection or in hearings concerning child protection, custody, or divorce.
Family Advocates assist in whatever situations arise. Advocacy may be needed in the woman's relationship with large systems--for example, a Family Advocate might attend a school conference with the mother when attendance is an issue.
Latinas and their children create safety plans in discussion with our staff. Weighing each family member's unique circumstances, the family decides what action each person will take in an emergency. Simple ideas--determined in advance--may save lives: taping a quarter inside a child's tennis shoe or keeping a packed suitcase at a friend's house.
Our partnership with Centro Legal provides legal assistance to Latinas with issues that arise due to domestic violence. A full-time Casa de Esperanza staff member--our Legal Liaison--facilitates communication between Family Advocates and Centro Legal lawyers. She ensures good communication between our organizations on behalf of the clients and facilitates joint education on legal issues.
Casa de Esperanza has created five Family Activity Kits that promote healthy family relationships by providing activities the mother can do with her children. Family Advocates assist mothers in knowing how to use the kits, which teach cultural pride, violence prevention, and school readiness.
Where We Work
Community
Each year Casa de Esperanza Family Advocates work with hundreds of women in the community--battered women in varying stages of decision-making and survival. Some are in crisis--just beginning to seek support in their situations--while others are gaining strength and confidence.
El Refugio
Latinas who want to leave their homes find safety in crisis--for them and their children--at Casa de Esperanza's Refugio. Designed to offer short stays, the house can accommodate twelve residents.
Mainstream Organizations
One of Casa de Esperanza's goals is to increase the effectiveness of mainstream domestic violence organizations to support Latinas, thereby breaking down barriers and enhancing access for Latinas.
- When partner shelters and organizations request assistance, our staff provides advocacy and interpreting services to Latinas that they are serving.
- We are supported by Hennepin County to provide a full-time advocate at the Domestic Abuse Service Center (DASC). When Latinas need assistance or translation in court, this advocate is available for them. The result is improved services and access for battered Latinas in Hennepin County.
Home
· Resources
· Getting Help
· About Us
· Our Work
· How to Help
· Our Products
Copyright © 2003 Casa de Esperanza
_________________
|
