2015 ZONTA CONFERENCE

Valerie L. Williams, BBA, MSc, CHC, CCEP

Founder & CEO

MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the Lady Be Free

Resource Center for Women, Inc. is to decrease domestic violence and

minimize its impact through evidence based programs that provide

protection, education and prevention. We are committed to empower our

survivors with the skills necessary to acquire and maintain self-sufficiency.

“I TOOK MY STAND IN THE SAND”

DOMESTIC VIOLENCEA pattern of abusive behavior that is used by

an intimate partner to gain or maintain power and control over the other intimate partner.

Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person.

This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.

DID YOU KNOW Domestic violence is one of the most

chronically underreported crimes One in every 4 women will experience

domestic violence in her lifetime 85% of domestic violence victims are

women

STATISTICS Domestic violence victims often return to their

batterers when a viable option for permanent housing cannot be found.

A family earning minimum wage cannot afford a two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent.

Victims and survivors of domestic violence often have trouble finding other housing as their history of abuse may have caused poor employment, credit or rental histories.

Due to high demand, most domestic violence shelters do not allow victims to stay more than 90 days.

More than half of the U.S. cities identified domestic violence as a primary cause of homelessness.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?Five Things to Say When a Victim

Says They Cannot Leave I am afraid for your safety. I am afraid for the safety of your

children. It will only get worse. There is help available. You don't deserve to be abused.

What should you do when a woman confides in you?

Believe her Acknowledge and support her for talking

to you Let her lead the conversation Tell her you care about her and are

concerned for her safety Don’t blame her for the abuse Offer your help to find resources

WHO WE ARE.....

OUR GOALLady Be Free will provide an affordable and supportive transitional housing program for survivors of domestic

violence to assist them in obtaining: self-sufficiency through weekly case

management utilization of community resources raise education and income levels teach life skills

The transition is to aid residents to be more self sufficient to move towards independent living. Residents must be

referred from another agency, will pay rent on a sliding scale and will be required to maintain negative drug and alcohol

screenings.

POTENTIAL OUTCOMES

Identified Transitional Plan Transitional Housing for 6-12 months Support Services

- Permanent housing search- Development of essential learning skills- Mental health & wellness

Development of Aftercare Plan

1ST TRANSITIONAL HOME

MY CHARGE TO YOU…

Work for a cause, not for applause. Live to express,

not to impress. Inspect what you expect. Don’t strive to

make your presence noticed, strive to make your absence

felt. Be an atmosphere changer!

FREEDOM CALLSCalls are held every 15th day of the

month at 8pm EST

Topic: Fresh Start

Dial-In: (646) 307-1300

Passcode: 4003579