Philosophy
"Every person has the right to live in a violence-free environment; that we will make possible every option should a person resolve not to remain in a domestic violence or sexual assault situation; that society must be educated on break the cycle of violence; and that education begins at home."

If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse, call 764-1214.

Our Place serves clients in a non-discriminatory manner without regard to race, culture, language, sex, age, national origin, disability, creed, social economic, marital status, sexual orientation, and/or the ability to pay.

Our Place is centrally located in the heart of the Columbia Basin, in Moses Lake, WA., and our service area includes all of Grant and Adams Counties. Our doors opened in 1981, and we are the only such agency within these counties, encompassing 4,573 square miles. We offer a wide variety of services to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims, including 24-hr Crisis Intervention, Certified Forensic Evidence Photography; Safe Homes, Counseling, Legal and Medical Advocacy, Support Groups, Information and Referral and Community Education concerning the Dynamics, Definitions and Effects of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Our Legal Advocate is also treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors for the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, and another staff member and myself serve on the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs Legislative Committee, where we assist victims on a political level as well, helping both local and state governments to recognize the need for increased legistlation for Victims and exceptional penalties for perpetrators of such violent crimes.

Our Place serves a predominately rural population. Our caseload was over 1,380 (reported) new clients in 1997, withour staff increasing to eight full-time employees in order to better serve smaller surrounding communities and meet the needs of increasing numbers of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims.

Services Offered

• Crisis Intevention
• Counseling
• Referral and Information
• Transporation
• Support Groups
• Advocacy in "Emergency Room Situations"
• Community Education
• Safe homes for female victims and their children
• Protection Order Assistance
• Legal advocate on staff

About the Services

• 24-Hour Availability
  Trained volunteers staff the line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 765-1214.

• Emergency Shelter
  Safe homes are offered to victims and their children of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse

• Crisis Counseling/Advocacy
  A trained advocate is available to give immediate help. An advocate cares for and listens to the one calling for help. The advocate assists in dealing with other social agencies, law enforcement and the legal or medical system.

• Information and Referral
  Information is given and assistance is offered to access the necessary community resources such as financial, legal, social, employment and housing.

• Community Education
  Public speaking is available to organizations, schools and groups upon request. Preventive educatioin and support are provided to area schools in teaching the Personal Safety Curriculum.

• Women's Support Group
  Weekly meetings are held for women in past or present abusive situations. The Support group works on understanding teh dynamics of domestic violence in their lies and encouraging growth and self-esteem.

The Support Groups

• Victims of incest
  
• Victims of domestic violence
  

Adult Services

• Confidential counseling
• Crisis intervention
• Support groups
• Safe homes
• Legal advocate on staff

Children's Services

• Children's counseling - long and short term
• Prevention education
• Support groups

The Cost
Core Service free for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Service costs are affordable. Sliding scale arrangement is available.*

* Court ordered services are available for a previously arranged fee.

The Staff
Our Place is staffed by trained volunteers, qualified professionals as well as qualified domestic violence and sexual abuse advocacy-based counselors.

Karen Huff Administrative Director Advocacy-based Counselor	Donna Coleman Administrative Assistant Advocacy-based Counselor	Judy Ottmar Comptroller Advocacy-based Counselor
Ann Wayman, BSW One-on-One Counselor Advocacy-based Counselor Adults & Children Adult Survivors Group Children's Group Battered Women's Group	Connie Hermance Legal Advocate:   Protection Orders   Anti-Harassment Orders   Courtroom Advocacy   Medical Advocacy Volunteer Coordinator	Kimalee Kirkman 764-8936 (24 Hr) DV Forensic Photos Advocacy-based Counselor
Patti Youngblood 764-8936 (24 Hr) DV Forensic Photos Advocacy-based Counselor	Leticia Van Fossen STOP Grant Advocacy-based Counselor