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(305) 693-0232

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Emergency Shelter

The Lodge is an innovative facility that provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  The 40-bed, 10-crib facility provides refuge and crisis intervention to battered women and their children when home is not a safe place.  The shelter is open 24 hours a day.  365 days a year and is almost always full to capacity.

Children's Program

Child Assessment: Evaluation of the basic needs of children served by the program, and referral to appropriate community agencies and resources, if needed. Service includes a screening for child abuse, an initial assessment of risk and safety planning.

Safety Planning: Children are provided with a comprehensive safety plan.

Day Care: VRI assists participants, who are employed, looking for employment or enrolled in school, with daycare services when requested, funding permitting.

Children’s Program: Spring, summer and winter camp, as well as other activities focusing on empowerment and safety.

Support Groups: Quality support groups are available at the shelter for child/youth ages 5-17 residing in the shelter and receiving outreach services. Support groups are geared to educate and empower children and teenagers and are provided on a weekly basis.

Outreach Program

Outreach services are available to victims who are not interested in entering shelter. The outreach staff safety plan with participants, provide counseling, case management and support groups. Outreach staff assists women in the community complete legal paperwork and file for injunctions for protections. Staff also provides referral to legal providers, employment services and housing programs. Follow up counseling and referral services are available to those who have already been through a shelter and just need some additional support. Our outreach advocates are a lifeline and a friend. Their work takes them all over Miami-Dade County and beyond.

Parenting Classes
Parenting classes are offered weekly at the shelter for residents and outreach participants. Topics include, but are not limited to, communication, discipline, self esteem and single parenting. Classes are voluntary and empowerment-based, focusing on strengthening families.

Case Management
Case management is facilitated by shelter staff for the purpose of conducting a needs assessment, development of a service plan, coordinating services and follow up. Case management plans must include a written safety plan signed by the client. Service plans include goal planning in relation to legal, housing and financial issues.

Court Advocacy

VRI assists participants in filing for injunctions for protection when necessary. Advocates are available to accompany participants to injunction, dependency and criminal hearings for support. Referrals are made to legal services, such as Legal Aid, when requested.

S.T.A.M.P. – Students Teaming to Affect Media Positively

The Lodge is getting ready to launch S.T.A.M.P. Primary Prevention Program. S.T.A.M.P. will launch this October at Cushman Middle School. The purpose of this program is to prevent domestic violence and promote healthy relationships in school age children by raising awareness of violence through media literacy.
 
The Lodge is recruiting members to serve as part of our C.A.T. (Community Action Team) which will consist of members of youth mentoring programs, the Dade County Public School System, Community Leaders, Artists, media representatives and graphic designers to assist with development of the program. If you are interested in joining our C.A.T. please contact Monica Padilla at (305_693-1170 ext. 231 or via email.

F.R.E.E. – Financial Relief Economic Empowerment

Victims of domestic violence often make several attempts to leave an abusive partner and are forced to return for economic reasons. Economic self-sufficiency is frequently the difference between violence and safety for many victims. Domestic violence advocates must be prepared to address many of the economic issues that victims face, and facilitate opportunities for victims to learn how they can improve their economic situation. Issues such as budgeting, identity theft, banking, predatory lending, violence in the workplace, housing, and credit, all play a role in ending domestic violence.

In 2009 The Lodge will begin recruiting participants for F.R.E.E. which will be an 8 week program offered 4 times during the year in which participants will learn the basic principles of debt management. F.R.E.E. will be offered to women who are victims of domestic violence who are living at The Lodge or who are participating at The Lodge’s Outreach Program. If you would like to become a F.R.E.E participant, please contact us at 305-693-0232.