The Laurel Center

Our Mission Empowering those affected by domestic and sexual violence by providing emergency housing, advocacy, outreach, support services, education and awareness. Our Vision Working together in our community to stop the cycle of domestic and sexual violence. Our Values We, the staff, board members and volunteers of The Laurel Center, uphold these core values in our work and promote them throughout the communities we serve. They represent what we believe in, what we stand for, and how we approach everything we do.

Founded in 1983 on the premise that no one (male or female) should live with violence or the fear of violence. The Laurel Center, formerly The Shelter for Abused Women, empowers and supports victims of domestic violence by providing emergency housing, advocacy, support services, and education. We reach out to our community through education and awareness programs. Services for victims of sexual assault were added to the program in 1989. Today, over 200 women and children stay in the shelter each year and often as many as 3,000 people receive help and support. Our Services: 24-hour Hotline: Available to provide help, information and referrals to those in crisis. Adult Therapy Therapy services (relative to domestic violence trauma) are provided to survivors of domestic violence at no charge. Services are provided by a licensed or license-eligible professional. Child Therapy Therapy services provided children who have witnessed domestic abuse, ages 5 – 17. These services are provided free of charge by a licensed or license-eligible professional. Individual Psycho-Educational Counseling for Adults and Children over 11 Education, emotional support and empowerment to anyone who has experienced domestic violence at any time in their lives. Support Groups for Women, Men and Teens Topics include boundaries, healing, trauma, self-esteem, healthy relationships, and expression through art and journaling. Legal Advocacy Advocates provide support and accompany victims when filing reports and protective orders as well as attending court hearings and trials. Our Advocates, Law Enforcement, Victim Witness, Commonwealth Attorneys, Social Services and court personnel work together in an effort to provide the best services possible for victims. Outreach and Education We currently provide training for law enforcement, emergency medical services/first responders, medical staff, as well as college, high school and middle school students and staff. Emergency Shelter We provide temporary emergency shelter to families leaving an abusive household. Safety Planning Staff can help prepare your personalized safety plan to keep you safe