Aegis is a short-term residential facility for survivors of domestic violence.  Since 1981, women and their children – both of whom are survivors of domestic violence – have sought a safe haven at Aegis.  The facility accommodates 24 families and provides a supportive, therapeutic environment that fosters independence and healthy interaction between mother and child.   In addition, the program’s address is kept confidential in order to protect the women and children.
Aegis staff provides services that help women and their children work through issues related to domestic violence including: homelessness, substance abuse and trauma.  Each woman has an opportunity to improve her parenting skills, develop networks of support, access housing, and gain help with legal issues.

Women's Program
Women who have been victimized experience long lasting trauma, and the professional staff at Aegis acknowledges this fact.  The safe and confidential space offers care and support to these women, so they can learn to recognize how violence impacts them and their children.  Aegis provides a new start for women, allowing them to heal.    Over time, the women begin to  address some of the issues that they face.

Services
• Individual Counseling
• Substance Abuse Assessment,
• Counseling and Referrals
• Women’s Support Groups
• Advocacy for Entitlements
• Help with Obtaining Orders of
Protection
• Court Advocacy
• Housing Advocacy
• Referrals for Long-term Counseling
• Parent/child Incentive Program
• Pre Employment Assessment, Services and Job Club
• Recreational and Cultural Activities

Children's Program
Children who witness or experience domestic violence are also victims.   They have issues related to their mother’s abuse as well as   issues related to experiencing family violence.  Children are often angry at having been displaced from the familiar surroundings that they consider “home.”  The Aegis program assists these children by helping them express their feelings in constructive settings.

Services
• Child/Adolescent Support Group
• Parent/Child Incentive Program
• Individual Counseling
• Art Therapy
• Structured Children’s play program
• Nursery for Infants and Toddlers
• Computer Play
• Recreational and Cultural Activities
• Linkage to Area Schools