Newhouse

Of the children at Newhouse, 81% are 9 or younger; 11% were the primary victim of abuse; 47% have lived in a shelter before; 36% witnessed violence/abuse; and 14% have a diagnosed disability. Newhouse actively works to break the intergenerational cycle of violence with trauma-focused play therapies which are offered in tandem with our childcare, preschool and onsite school. Newhouse is the only shelter in KS/MO with an onsite K-6 school. Children arrive at our shelter traumatized, with complex personal and educational issues. Often they fell below their grade-level due to the negative effects of DV. Our unique program offers individual attention from a teacher certified in elementary and special education.  Free onsite childcare and preschool is provided to encourage residents to pursue employment, education, and participate in our onsite programming. Our Early Childhood Program offers security, encourages positive social and non-violent interaction, and teaches early education skills.

Domestic Violence creates chaos in families for generation after generation. Over 78% of residents are uninsured, and less than 10% have received prior mental health services. Adult domestic violence victims have an increased likelihood of substance abuse. Newhouse therapists address these issues immediately so that residents gain the clarity necessary to address their trauma. Clinical services are part of our comprehensive continuum of care. Our staff uses evidence-based practices to help residents recover from the combined effects of domestic violence and mental health issues, including: Trauma Informed Care; Seeking Safety; Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. By integrating on-site therapeutic care with intensive therapy, case management and counseling, Newhouse residents receive the counseling, support, and monitoring needed to remain in shelter and stabilize their lives, as well as assistance in accessing community support services.

Case Management empowers residents by providing financial management, job referrals, access to community resources, high school equivalency classes and employment skills. We use strengths-based case management to help our clients establish their own goals for a positive, healthy, non-violent lifestyle. Newhouse transitional living offers greater independence to residents working towards permanent housing. When residents are ready, our case managers guide them through the process of moving from Newhouse to a permanent home in the community. The Transitional Housing Case Manager collaborates with local landlords who have available units for Newhouse residents in need of housing. A prestigious federal grant from the Office of Violence Against Women expands the transitional housing opportunities and safety support network Newhouse can provide.

Newhouse promotes community outreach and education because it is important advocacy on behalf of domestic violence victims. It creates awareness of domestic violence and educates the public to help prevent the cycle of generational violence before it begins. It educates victims of domestic violence about Newhouse, and encourages them to seek help here. Newhouse uses “In Her Shoes” and the Silent Witness Project as interactive resources that reenact the plight of victims trying to leave their abusers. Newhouse also provides qualified speakers on numerous domestic violence topics.