Question 1

What hours are you open?

Accepted Answer

Normal business hours for most program staff is 8am - 5pm. However, an advocate is here 24/7/365 and available easily via telephone.

Question 2

I'm unsure if I've been experiencing abuse. My partner never physically harmed me, but I'm still not sure. Where do I start; who do I talk to?"

Accepted Answer

Abuse comes in many forms, primarily including:
 
-Physical
-Sexual
-Financial/Economic
-Verbal/Emotional
 
We encourage you to call our crisis line at 262-334-7298 24/7/365 to speak with an advocate. Everything you discuss on the phone or in person with FRIENDS staff is confidential. You can give us your name when you call, or you can call anonymously. During that phone call, the advocate will help connect you to internal/external resources.

Question 3

My abuse happened years ago, can I still get services?"

Accepted Answer

Yes! No matter how long ago you experienced abuse, you can still utilize our services.

Question 4

Can I still get services even if I'm not ready to leave my abusive partner?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We can still meet with you to safety plan, discuss next steps or provide other services. We can be a support for you until you are ready to leave your abusive partner.

Question 5

Do you serve victims of sexual violence as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We serve victims of sexual or domestic violence, as well as victims of human trafficking.

Question 6

Do you have space in your shelter?

Accepted Answer

Our shelter consists of 20 beds, 2 cribs, and 6 bedrooms. We do bunk singles, and families are allowed their personal space by being provided their own room in shelter. Shelter is communal and space is limited. Please call the crisis line to see if there is currently space. There is an assessment that everyone must complete with an advocate. Our emergency shelter is funded for people fleeing intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual violence or human trafficking.

Question 7

Do I have to being food, bedding, or cleaning supplies with when I come to stay in shelter?"

Accepted Answer

No, we have food available for shelter clients. Bedding and cleaning supplies will be provided to you. You are free to bring your own bedding, cleaning supplies, food, or clothing. Shelter storage is limited, so only bring necessities. All belongings will go through a heat treatment upon your entrance to shelter.

Question 8

Can I bring my pet with when coming to stay at the shelter?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we cannot accept pets in the building. We do have a great working relationship with Cedar Creek Pet Resort and the Washington County Humane Society to accomodate your pet(s), at no cost to you, during your shelter stay.

Question 9

Do you provide housing resources?

Accepted Answer

We provide resources for anyone that calls the crisis line. We do not own our own long-term housing or apartments. We offer a long-term housing debt reduction program, but you are required to be an active client to participate in this Transitional Living Program. Please call the crisis line and set up an intake appointment to discuss your needs, next steps, and goals with our Victim Advocate.

Question 10

Do you help with hotel vouchers?

Accepted Answer

We can potentially help with one or two stays at a hotel if you are a current or active client. Please call the crisis line for more details.

Question 11

Do you accept donations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do! We can graciously accept NEW items. Please check our website for our Wish List items. All the highlighted or red items are our most needed. The Wish List is updated quarterly.

FRIENDS, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions