How does someone in an abusive situation
get into shelter?

When a woman calls seeking help, the first step is getting her out of any immediate danger. Once a woman is in a safe place, we do a hotline telephone intake that identifies the needs of the caller and where she is in the cycle of violence. We explore her options with her. When the need for shelter becomes evident, we check to see if space is available in shelter. She does not go directly to the shelter but to the police station near Linwood & Troost (816-234-5510) where she is escorted by a police officer to the shelter for her safety as well as the safety of our residents.

How long can a woman stay at the shelter?

We have discovered our residents need a more comprehensive and "client-centered" program to completely address issues such as: the dynamics of domestic violence; the co-occurrence of domestic violence and substance abuse; mental health issues; and parenting/children's issues. A woman can stay as long as she needs services.

How do you keep the shelter location confidential?

We stress the seriousness involved and the consequences that can occur when the location is revealed. If a woman does reveal the location, she is asked to leave and may not come back to our shelter. We then refer her to another shelter or temporary housing agencies. By giving out the location, she limits herself and available options. We also ask those persons involved with the shelter to respect the privacy and confidentiality of the past, present and future clients. Our society has identified this service as being greatly needed in the Kansas City area, and we hope others will help us in fulfilling this need.

What is the philosophy of Newhouse?

Newhouse operates on an empowerment philosophy in working with the women and children. Options and alternatives are explored in addition to their consequences. The women are not told what to do. Through the empowerment counseling and services provided, she learns to make decisions regarding her life and that of her children. She learns that she has the power to take control over her life and what happens. We recognize that each woman is different and every situation is unique; this is why we provide client-centered, strengths based case management.

What type of follow-up do you do with the women?

Individual counseling services are available, as well as participation in the support groups. The door is open to former residents to contact us. Unfortunately, it is not always possible for us to contact them without putting them in jeopardy. In addition, we offer former residents and women who do not need shelter but program services Outreach Case Management. The Outreach program consists of support services, therapy, case management, and referrals to numerous programs.

What do you do to help the abuser? Is counseling available for couples who are having problems?

The Metropolitan Family Violence Coalition does facilitate anger management groups for abusers, however; typically the abuser does not seek out the help available because they do not perceive themselves as being the one needing to change their behavior. Marriage counseling statistically is unsuccessful. Traditional marriage counseling assumes that there is equality in the relationship, which is not true in a battering relationship.

How is Newhouse funded?

We currently receive the majority of our funding through government grants. We are also a United Way funded agency and are supported by churches, civic groups, special events, foundations, corporations and individuals.

What is the success rate of Newhouse?

This is a difficult question to answer if you base your success rate on whether a woman returns to the abusive situation. Newhouse does not expect anyone to come into shelter and change their life during their stay here. They may need to return three or four times before they can make the final step of leaving the relationship. Each time they learn more and are able to assimilate the information to empower themselves to make a life change.

Does Newhouse accept clothing, food and other household items?

Clothing and household items: We accept clothing in excellent shape. We need clothing for women, children, babies and men (for the older teenage boys in shelter with their mothers) in all sizes. Household items are accepted in excellent condition to be used in our transitional housing program. We cannot accept donations of furniture or appliances due to space limitations. Directions to the shelter will be given by calling 816-474-6446 x225. We ask that you please call ahead of time to let us know your name and the time you will be arriving to drop off your donation.

Food: Because we have such a large number of women and children to feed, we appreciate cans of food and large quantities of other foods (meat, bread, crackers, etc.). Directions to the shelter will be given by calling 816-474-6446 x225.

Please call ahead of time to let us know your name and the time you will be arriving to drop off your donation.

Newhouse does not pick up donations.