Shelter Program

Overview

The primary purpose of the shelter facility is to provide shelter, food and safety in a supportive environment to women and their children who have been abused. During a woman's stay at the shelter, the options available to her are reviewed, and she is supported in making her own decisions, whatever they may be. Additionally, women receive advocacy assistance from staff in her encounters with the legal, medical, social services or other local agencies she may utilize. The shelter can house up to 39 women and children at a time. Crisis calls are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The majority of the women coming to the shelter have children who they bring with them. Shelter staff provide both systems and individual advocacy for children, as well as parenting assistance for the mothers. Staff provide advocacy services to assist children in obtaining counseling services and protection. They meet with children and police or social services during suspected abuse investigations. Additionally, staff assist mothers in enrolling their children in school while staying at the shelter and arranging transportation.

Women's Education and Support Groups

It takes a lot of courage to share your thoughts and feelings with others. It is possible, however, to find hope through knowing that you are not alone, that your feelings and thoughts are normal, and there is a safe place to talk about what has happened to you.

We offer a weekly Healing Circle for community women, women who have left the shelter, and shelter residents. This group is held every Tuesday evening. You are welcome to come to the Healing Circle and participate in a supportive group discussion. Many current residents attend this group. Child care and transportation, within city limits, are provided. Please call Bonnie at 218-728-6481 for more information.

We also offer a 24-week closed group, designed to educate and assist you in your healing process. It is divided into three segments of eight weeks, and you are invited and encouraged to participate in all three segments. If you wish, however, you may choose to commit to only one eight-week segment at a time. The group is a closed group, meaning that no new people will join until the end of an eight week segment. The closed group welcomes community women, former residents of Safe Haven Shelter, and anyone else who has survived domestic violence and is interested in working on healing. This group meets on Wednesday evenings at the Shelter from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Childcare, transportation (within city limits), and snacks are provided. Call Cathryn at 218-623-1000 for more information.

By showing up at these groups, you are choosing to undertake a healing process. . Healing does not happen on a given timeline. No one can predict when your process will feel complete. It is common for healing to take years, although it does get easier as you move through the process. At times, it may be scary and painful, yet engaging and enlightening. Attending this group is a great leap forward in the healing process.

We welcome you to join us no matter where you are in the healing process.

Group themes include:

How do we empower ourselves?
What is the root cause of domestic violence?
What is the history of domestic violence?
What is safety and how do we attain it?
How do we take care of ourselves and heal?
How has the violence affected our children?
Coming to groups is a very powerful way to:
Connect and bond with others who have had similar experiences.
Learn from and teach others.
Begin the journey of healing your heart and soul.

Please call Safe Haven Shelter at 218-728-6481 for the address and other information.

If you need child care or transportation, please call Safe Haven Shelter at 218-728-6481 by 2 p.m. the day of the group.

There are no fees or charges for anything related to these groups