Family Service Society, Inc.

Hands of Hope, formerly called Women’s Services, is a division of Family Service Society, Inc. Services have been offered in Grant County since 1981 and Wabash County since 1984.

The name was changed to Hands of Hope in 1997 to enforce to the community that DV is not just a female issue, but a family problem and crime and that we work with the entire family. Hands of Hope is funded through federal grants, United Way of Grant County, United Fund of Wabash County, private businesses, individuals, churches and civic groups. There is no charge for the programs offered to victims of domestic violence, homelessness or sexual assault. For more information, please contact Linda Wilk at 765-662-9971 ext. 123.

Services Provided Resources Awareness

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Services Provided by Hands of Hope

Crisis Hotline - Flannery-Keal Shelter - Support Groups - Staff

Crisis Hotline- 765-664-0701 or 1-800-434-8973

For Wabash 260-563-4407

Flannery-Keal Shelter- Is a shelter located in a confidential location for female victims of domestic violence and their children (arrangements made for male victims). Domestic violence victims may stay up to 45 days at the emergency shelter where all their basic necessities such as food, new clothing, personal hypgiene items are provided for them at not cost. We can assist homeless women and their children for up to 45 days when space permits.

            Flannery-Keal Needs List - If you can help by donating any of these items, it would be a great way to help                         those who use our services.

            Services also include:

                Case Manager - Grant County only
                   *Meet at least twice a week with each resident
                        *Offers client options and alternatives to violent relationships
                        *Assists client in reaching realistic goals for self-sufficiency

                  Case management- all clients are required to meet with the case manager at least twice weekly to                           work with the case manager to set realistic goals for self-sufficiency.

                      Case management is also available to outreach clients who do not want to come to the                                           shelter.

                Counseling
                    Available through Clinical Services. As funding is available, free individual therapeutic counseling is                                 offered to victims of domestic violence or sexual violence.

                    Victim's Advocate
                        Trained victims advocates are available to help victims through the legal process including completion of                           protective order or violent crime compensation paperwork.

                    Children's Advocate - Grant County only
                            Aids children at the Flannery-Keal Home
                                *Provide assistance with schoolwork
                                *Provide structured play and learning activities

Support Groups

There are no charge for services; child care is provided, unless specified.

W.E.N.D. (Women Exploring New Directions in their relationship)- Free support group for victims of domestic violence. Topics include: the cycle of violence, healthy styles of relationships, and establishing boundaries. Childcare is provided for these groups.

W.E.N.D.- Grant Co. - 6:30-7:30pm, Thursdays. Call for location: 664-0701.
W.E.N.D.- Wabash Co. - 7:00-8:00pm, Tuesdays. Call for location: 260-563-4407

Relationship Building for Victims of Domestic Violence- This group is offered from 6:30-7:30pm, Mondays. Childcare is provided. Call for location: 664-0701.

Alternative's Batterers Program- This group is for those who are physically or emotionally abusing a spouse or significant other. It is a 26-week program, that meets Monday evenings and costs $20/session. Childcare is not provided. The group is held at Family Service Society, Inc. at 101 S. Washington St. Suite 200 and has two sessions each Monday, call 662-9971 for more details.

Wabash County Victims Advocacy Services- Provides 24-hour assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Wabash County Victims Advocacy Coordinator may be reached at 260-563-4407 or after hours by calling the crisis hotline at 1-800-434-8973.

Community Education- Community education provided in Grant County to elementary students to educate students about domestic violence is done through two programs: Kid-Ability and Hands are Not for Hitting. Programs have also been developed on bullying for fourth and fifth-graders as well as dating violence and date rape for middle and high school students. Similar programs are offered to students in Wabash County.

Information and training in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault are available to organizations. Topics include how to identify and assist victims of domestic violence.
"Kid-Ability!" is a personal safety program available to all kindergartners and first graders.
"Teasing and Put-Downs" for third graders is a one-time class that teaches conflict resolution and encourages students to take responsibility for their words/actions.
"Hands are not for Hitting" is a program teaching how to handle angry feelings, available for second graders.
Dating Violence video and presentations for high school students.
Bullying Prevention Program for fourth and fifth graders. This is a program that defines and discusses the differences between joking, teasing, and bullying.
Anti-bullying strategies and presented for sixth and seventh graders.
Men Against Violence is a weekly program with middle school males about recognizing violence toward women as a man's issue. Also encourages healthy and positive relationships.

Staff

                Linda Wilk - Hand of Hope Director

                    Flannery-Keal Home Staff
                    Bobbie Stratton - Case Manager
                    Becky Fansler - Facility Coordinator
                    Nita Hernandez - Victim's Advocate
                    Jessica Miller- Victim’s Advocate
                    Melody Young- Victim’s Advocate
                    Ashley Lowey- Victim’s Advocate
                    Alex Wood- Victim’s Advocate

                    Grant County Education Staff
                    Rosalyn Turcott - HOH Community Education Coordination
                    Janice Adams- Alternatives Instructor
                    Nathan Dalton- Part-time HOH Male Outreach Education Coordinator
                    Katlin Young- Relationship Building for Victims of Domestic Violence Support Group Facilitator

                    Wabash County Victim's Advocacy Staff
                    Helen Chambers - Victim's Advocate

                    Wabash County Education Staff
                    Amanda Jones Layman- Wabash County Hands of Hope Community Education Coordinator

Helen Chambers received the Distinguished Volunteer Award by Alan Zimmerman, a Wabash County attorney, as part of the 2012 Wabash County Bar Association Banquet. The presentation was made during the Wabash County Bar Association’s Annual Dinner which was held at the Main View Inn, North Manchester on September 8th. Helen Chambers was recognized for her service as the Domestic Violence Advocate for Hands of Hope and for her tireless devotion to victims of domestic violence in Wabash County. Helen was presented with a plaque and her name will be added to the "Honor Roll" at the Wabash County Judicial Center.