Program aids women escaping partner abuse

Name of program: Alternatives to Domestic Violence.

What it does: The program provides confidential services and shelter to victims of intimate partner violence.

Judy Burgad, the educational specialist of the program, said counseling, support groups, legal clinics and financial advice are among the services offered to women escaping from an abusive relationship.

“We wear a lot of hats,” she said.

•The program offers a free legal clinic on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. at the YWCA, 829 W. Broadway Ave. An attorney is at the clinic to help answer family law questions, such as on getting a divorce or setting up a parenting plan.

Often, a woman can’t afford to file for divorce. Paperwork is available at the clinic to help clients file for free or at a very reduced price.

•The Hope and Power program helps women become financially self-sufficient. The program offers child care, food or transportation – whatever is needed to get women to the program to help them set up their own checking account and become financially independent.

•Our Sister’s Closet provides free business clothes for women going to job interviews or starting a new job.

“It’s just kind of all here,” said Burgad.

Although those programs are all held at the YWCA, Alternatives to Domestic Violence also provides a confidential safe shelter. It is staffed 24 hours a day and has a capacity for 40 women and children.

It’s been full or almost full since last summer. If there is an overflow, the families are not turned away; they are sent to hotels.

Who runs it: The program is funded mostly by the state, which also mandates in many ways how the program is run.

How to get help: Most of the women and children who use the services provided by Alternatives to Domestic Violence find the number in the phone book or learn about it through other programs offered by the state, such as the food stamp program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

Anyone interested in using the services at the YWCA may call 326-1190. Women in need of shelter may call the crisis line at 326-CALL or 326-2255.

Typical client: “A lot of women are coming because they have no other resources,” Burgad said. They may have been living in an affluent household, but once their partner found out they were leaving, they were cut off from their funds.”

The program helps women from all walks of life who happen to find themselves in a bad situation.

“It’s not so much about rich or poor,” Burgad said. “It’s about resources.”

How to help: The program is always in need of food, diapers, clothing, hygiene products and money.

Many of the programs are confidential, and many women using the services don’t want anyone to know their situation, so volunteers aren’t needed.

Anyone interested in donating items may drop them off at the YWCA.