Maya

In September 2020, Maya’s abusive partner kicked her out of their home, and she decided not to go back and reached out for support. That is how Maya and her children entered Hope North, one of JFS’s two emergency shelters. During her time at the emergency shelter, she attended case management sessions, individual therapy, support groups, and parenting classes.

Her 8-year-old daughter also received support from JFS Hope’s children’s therapist. Her daughter was very talkative with the therapist—she had witnessed physical violence by her father against her mother. The therapist worked with Maya’s daughter through art therapy, and also facilitated a joint session with mother and daughter to address communication issues. Upon completing thirty days in the emergency shelter program, Maya and her family were able to move to the Hope Transitional, JFS Hope’s longer-term, rent-free housing, where she would be able to work and save money to begin an independent life. Maya was able to find permanent housing on her own and JFS provided a housing grant to help with the security deposit and move-in costs. With her job and savings from her time at Hope Transitional, Maya and her children were able to begin a new chapter, financially stable and free from abuse.

Snip-It about this Program: JFS HOPE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES provides vitally needed shelter and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence and their children, to achieve the outcome of independence and a life free from violence. JFS Hope offers two counseling centers, two 24-hour crisis hotlines, two emergency shelters, and transitional housing. Services, including individual and group counseling, case management, social service and legal advocacy, parenting education, and life skills are provided through a compassionate, trauma-informed lens. All services are free of charge and offered in English and in Spanish.