Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Inc. |
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Minot, North Dakota |
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The History of DVCC |
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Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Inc. (DVCC) was incorporated under the State of North Dakota on October 18, 1977. DVCC has two women's support groups. The first support group for battered women began in May of 1978. A second group was started in the Spring of 1991 to accommodate the increase in women seeking help. The Women's group meets Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings. In 1981, DVCC obtained a lease from the city of Minot for a house to be used as an emergency shelter and office space. The safe home (shelter) had accommodations for up to 16 residents. Residents may stay up to 30 days in the safe home. Local motels offer rooms for back-up shelter space when the safe home is full. DVCC is the only agency which provides emergency shelter in a 100 mile radius of Minot for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In September of 1992, DVCC moved its office to its current location. This provided for easier access by the general public and enabled better consistency for clients and an overall increase of quality of services. A Children's Support Group started in 1990. This group provided education and awareness for children who have experienced domestic violence in their homes. Children's Group meets three times a year for 10 week sessions. In May of 1993, a Children's Advocate was hired. The Children's Advocate works with the children at the shelter and transitional housing units, coordinates children's group, and presents educational programs at local schools on the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault. DVCC experienced a steady increase of requests by victims for assistance in obtaining Protection Orders. In May of 1993, DVCC hired a Pro se Advocate to assist victims with the pro se legal process. On May 19, 1993, DVCC entered into Leases with Option to Purchase with the Department of Housing and Urban Development for two housing units. DVCC wrote grants to facilitate the purchasing of the transitional housing units. The transitional housing units provide affordable housing for women and their children who find themselves homeless due to domestic violence. Residents may live in the units up to 18 months while looking for their own affordable housing. It is our goal to provide a support system so the victims and their children may have and live in violent free homes. In July of 1999, DVCC was awarded funds from the Bush Foundation to renovate the safe home and to provide funding for increased safe home staff. DVCC's Safe Home now provides housing for 18-19 individuals and there are nine safe home staff. DVCC currently has ten full-time staff: Executive Director, Assistant Director, Administrative Assistant, Pro se Advocate, Children's Advocate, Residential Advocate, and Safe Home Coordinator; (3) Residential Supervisors, (4) part-time Residential Supervisors and one on call Relief Residential Supervisor; and one half-time Volunteer Coordinator. DVCC has 35 volunteers who offer their time and talent in providing both direct and indirect services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. |
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857-2200 |