A Place of Healing – A Voice of Hope.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Advocacy and support services help pave the way to safe, independent living.
In one year, Lydia’s House provided:
Programs and Services
Personal Advocacy
Our advocates work one-on-one with residents to help them achieve their personal goals, such as furthering their education, finding employment and gaining financial independence. Advocates offer support and resources to help these women move on from the harmful conditions they left behind.
Support Groups
Support groups are a safe space for victims of domestic violence to discuss their emotions and personal experiences. Some of the topics addressed are “red flags,” safety plans, women’s health issues and parenting techniques. Support groups are held once a week and childcare is provided for residents.
*Screening and training required
Children’s Program
Our youth services include an after-school program for children ages 5 years and older, offered 4 days each week to provide tutoring and one-on-one help with homework. Lydia’s House also has a summer program, in which advocates take the children on different group outings including swimming, the zoo and go-cart racing.
*Screening and training required
Immigrant Support Services
At times, Lydia’s House has a high population of women who are immigrants or refugees. These women often have needs that require additional support from our staff, which can include obtaining immigration paperwork, receiving education, learning English, adjusting to new cultures and building a life in a new country.
Spiritual Support
The chaplain at Lydia’s House is available to offer spiritual support to our residents. This may take place through individual conversations or through the spiritual support circles offered for women and teens. Spiritual support may or may not align with a specific faith tradition, depending on the views of each woman and child.
Counseling
Lydia’s House encourages residents to use this time of transition to work on counseling goals, if they feel the need for this help. Advocates provide referrals to agencies with services designed for survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
Community & Family Activities
Lydia’s House encourages women and children to gather as a community. Every week, staff and residents share a community meal, which is donated by churches and other organizations. We also have monthly community outings, which have included picnics, hayrides and trips to the movies.
Lydia’s Ladle
Our social enterprise kitchen, Lydia’s Ladle, empowers and employs women who are victims of domestic violence. Working at Lydia’s Ladle provides residents the opportunity to achieve safe, confidentially located employment and to receive job education and training. Proceeds from our Chicken Pot Pies and Very Berry Pies directly support the women of Lydia’s House.
Housing Advocacy
Advocates meet with Lydia’s House residents to help complete short- and long-term housing goals, which includes providing referrals to the resources needed to find permanent, safe and affordable housing. Advocates also help residents maintain a safe, clean living environment in their apartments.
In-House Medical Clinic
In 2017, Lydia’s House opened a medical clinic to provide well women’s care, sick care, infant and pediatric care, preventative education, vaccinations and routine lab work, which now includes COVID testing. The clinic is expanding to provide additional service hours, a women’s specialty care Nurse Practitioner, and 24/7 pager access for after-hours medical needs.
Building a Life of Hope
“I really struggled when I first came to Lydia’s House, but the staff helped me learn from my mistakes instead of making me feel bad about them. My staff advocate helped me to set goals and stay focused, because I wanted a better life for my girls. Although I was finally able to move into my own apartment, I still go to support groups and meet with my advocate. Their support has truly been a blessing in my life. I finally feel safe, and I’m so glad that my girls will know how to love without pain.”
Upcoming Events
Lydia's House
