St Lawrence Valley Renewal House for Victims of Family Violence Inc

Overview

St Lawrence Valley Renewal House for Victims of Family Violence Inc, commonly known as Renewal House, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Located in Canton, New York, the organization has been an integral part of St. Lawrence County since its establishment in 1982.

History

Renewal House was incorporated as a not-for-profit membership organization in May 1982. Initially, it began services in March 1983 with limited funding, offering support and shelter to victims and their families. The organization quickly expanded its services, opening its first safe apartment in 1987 and a second in 1989, providing temporary housing for up to 30 days, extendable to 90 days if needed. By 1989, Renewal House was licensed by New York State as part of new regulations for residential programs for domestic violence.

Services

Renewal House offers a wide range of services aimed at empowering victims, including:

• Emergency Services: Crisis intervention, emergency shelter, confidential shelter locations, safety planning, domestic violence education, and mobile advocacy.
• Legal and Financial Assistance: Assistance with orders of protection, court accompaniment and advocacy, financial empowerment training.
• Counseling Services: Counseling for shelter residents, non-residents, peer support groups, and counseling for friends and family.
• Support Services: Resources and referrals.
• Children's Services: Child abuse services, safety planning for children, educational programs.

Additionally, Renewal House expanded its scope in 2010 by signing an agreement with the New York State Office of Victims Services to provide sexual assault services throughout St. Lawrence County.

Populations Served

Renewal House serves diverse demographics, including women, men, the elderly, teenagers, individuals, and families across St. Lawrence County.

Mission

The mission of Renewal House is to respond promptly to the needs of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, empowering them while increasing community awareness.

Operational Structure

Renewal House operates with a staff that has grown from a single part-time employee to a team of nine full-time and one part-time staff members. The organization is supported by funding from various sources, including government grants and private donations.

Impact

Since its inception, Renewal House has significantly increased the number of individuals served and the comprehensiveness of its services. Despite financial challenges, the organization remains committed to providing a supportive environment focused on self-help and empowerment.