Building the Solution
It is rare that a family comes to Interact and the only thing causing instability in the home is domestic violence or sexual assault. There are frequently additional issues that have been created by the years of abuse. It might be lack of access to financial resources, coping through substance abuse, legal matters, lack of reliable child care, health problems related to trauma, spiritual isolation, underdeveloped vocation or educational skills, and more. Each of these presents a challenge to rebuilding a healthy life free of violence.
These challenges also offer an opportunity to make a real difference in the success of families. Interact’s new Safety and Empowerment Center will offer a variety of services in one location by bringing together a collaboration of expertise of all ready established service providers. It is truly a holistic approach to family services.
Interact will stay focused on the immediate needs of families in crisis. It is what we do best! Our collaborative partners will be able to refer these crisis situations to Interact. Interact, in turn, will be able to offer families a complete package of services that are offered by other agencies focused on what they do best.
The one new service Interact will take on is to establish family case management. These case managers will conduct a full needs assessment, develop a work plan with the family, and then layout a logic integrated approach for the family to begin to address each of their needs. The case managers help connect the dots, laying out each task step-by-step, and then assuring the family makes the connection with appropriate service provider. It is a more long-term, holistic approach that will assure greater success for these families.
Imagine the possibilities. An often cited statistic is that it takes seven attempts before a woman will successfully free herself and her children of a violent relationship and unstable home. Imagine the years of additional abuse and turmoil that could be avoided if, in our community, these families could be successful the first time they reach out for help! How many fewer of the kids growing up in these homes would drop out of school, attempt suicide, turn to drugs or gangs, or grow up to be abusers or victims themselves...
Through this project, the community is embracing these challenges. Interact is building a future of hope and success. By offering your support, you are changing the future!