Increased Capacity and Advocacy for Domestic Violence Victims and Survivors in Cuyahoga County

Journey Center for Safety and Healing proposes to implement Increased Capacity and Advocacy for Domestic Violence Victims and Survivors in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. The purpose is to provide enhanced support to victims of domestic violence by increasing staff capacity and relieving strain on existing staff members, which will allow Journey to reach more victims throughout the community.   Through this project, Journey will provide the following activities: professional trainings, outreach, and referral information to other organizations that interface with individuals experiencing domestic violence and child abuse; targeted outreach and support to the faith community, hospitals, community centers, and more;  increased community presence through attendance at events and resource fairs to raise awareness of services/resources and how to access them; outreach to culturally specific populations and “natural helpers” in the community; and strengthened partnerships with organizations serving marginalized groups.  

This project will support salaries for a Chief Program Officer (CPO) and Prevention and Community Education Manager, both of whom will increase staff capacity by taking on essential department responsibilities, which will give Community Advocates on staff more availability to focus on outreach efforts and provide guidance, education, and support to target communities. As a result, Journey will reach more victims of domestic violence and/or child abuse in the community and provide them with the prevention and intervention services needed to help them determine their best path toward health and safety.