EMERGENCY SHELTER "THE ABBIE"
Abigail Frederick Memorial Shelter, “The Abbie,” was named in memory of Abigail Frederick, the first staff advocate for Violence Free Crisis Line. Abbie spent her life working and demonstrating for a more loving and peaceful world. Many individuals and organization contributed to making the Abbie a reality.
The purpose of the Shelter is to provide safety in a warm home environment. The Abbie provides a safe shelter for victims of violence who are fleeing from their homes and need a safe place to stay. Staying at the Shelter gives abused women an opportunity to explore feelings and make decisions in a supportive atmosphere. Temporary Shelter is provided for women and their children. The shelter is equipped with emergency clothing, food, and personal care items. People needing shelter due to violence in their lives can access that service by calling 752-7273.
We believe that all women are capable of making their own decisions. The Abbie’s main role is to be non-judgmental, to discuss options and to support the decisions women make.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Children’s Services:
Advocacy/Referrals:Flathead Victim Witness Services are provided by two Montana Law Enforcement Academy certified Victim Witness advocates to violence from the Justice Center and City Courts. The Advocates offer court advocacy including help with Orders of Protection and support services during investigation and prosecution. For contact information in your jurisdiction call 752-7273.Community Education
The P.E.A.C.E. Project –Peers Educating and Advocating and Changing Expectations is VFCL’s teen brigade of Dating Violence Prevention Volunteers. They are visible in all local high schools and in the larger community, working hard to equip young people with the necessary tools for safe and healthy relationships. They give presentations in classrooms and provide support for students in need. PEACE Volunteers are passionate and intelligent young women who are deeply invested in the work of non-violence. They are the representatives of our community’s youth, and they bring their energy and creativity to the work of non-violence that we are all engaged in.
Peace Program info http://www.myspace.com/peaceprojectmt |
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How do I get to the Shelter?
The shelter location is confidential to ensure safety. If you call the 24-hour crisis line and advocate will ask you questions to better understand your needs, and will give you information about available options. Emergency transportation can bring you from a safe location to the shelter.
What should I bring?
If you can you should bring important papers and items with you such as:
-Birth certificates
-Marriage license
-Children’s vaccine and school records
-Social Security cards
-Medications
-You should bring a week’s worth of clothes with you, but if you can’t, we will assist you to access clothing at a local agency.Basic food supplies, bath towels, bed linens and personal care items are provided for you.
What is the shelter like?
At the shelter you and your children will have your own bedroom together. “Common areas,” or areas that are shared by all women and children living at the shelter are: the kitchen, the bathrooms, a playroom and living room. Everyone is expected to help keep the shelter safe and clean.
Coming soon!PEACE MEN
Volunteer Forms
Teachers Forms
GET EDUCATED FOR STUDENTS
Community Education is offered to any group, organization, workplace, religious organization, or school. Workshops are tailored for the needs of the group. Schools and community groups working with youth can request Peace Volunteers to lead workshops. Topics include but are non limited to Domestic violence Awareness & Preventions, Sexual Assault Awareness& Prevention, Sexual Violence in the workplace, and others. Workshops are extremely helpful for other organizations and agencies who may be serving victims of DV. To schedule a presentation please contact the Community Prevention Coordinator by calling the office: 406-752-4735 or email |
GET HELP
Contact Crisis Line
24-hour hotline – 752-7273 for immediate assistance
Our office is located at 224 1st Ave E, Kalispell, MT
Or e-mail us at vfcl@mtdig.net
GET EDUCATED
What is Domestic Violence? Domestic violence is a collection of behaviors that include physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and mental abuse used by one partner in an intimate relationship to gain power and control over the other. read more |
