New Beginnings approaches domestic violence as both a community issue and a community responsibility. Our mission is twofold. We provide comprehensive direct service to battered women and their children offering a safe place to begin to heal and rebuild their lives. But our direct service programs are currently working at full capacity. In 2003 we turned away 17 people for every one admitted to the Emergency Shelter. On average, 20 women apply for each vacancy in our Transitional Housing Program. It is urgent that we continue to provide safety and support to those escaping doemstic violence. But if we are going to change the reality of domestic violence, social change is necessary. Toward that end New Beginnings works to raise awareness and to change our community's attitudes and responses to domestic violence.

THE COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM

New Beginnings Community Education Program offers workshops, professional trainings, and general presentations in order to raise awareness and educate the community on domestic violence. We teach medical professionals, chemical dependancy professionals, school staff, court personnel and law enforcement officers through specialized trainings. We visit churches, businesses, and schools to educate community members on issues related to domestic violence.

Interested in a workshop or training for your workplace or community group? Contact us at 206/522-9472, M-F, between the hours of 9 and 5.