The Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County is committed to the mission of providing leadership initiatives that contribute to ending physical, sexual and emotional violence. Now operating in its 27^th year of service, the Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County acts as the community’s response to violence and abuse serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other serious crimes and older victims of any crime, while also working to prevent violence and abuse through prevention education, intervention training and public awareness. As a member of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the local shelter is active in the oldest and most respected coalition in the country.  Statewide, the Shelter’s services are recognized for innovative program excellence.

     As the only domestic violence emergency shelter and sexual assault agency in Lawrence County, the agency’s comprehensive programming serves to address many client needs under one roof.  Crisis Shelter programs, along with those of the many community partners we collaborate to offer practical solutions and helpful opportunities to the families we serve.  Our services are free to all victims in Lawrence County and surrounding communities regardless of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, income level or disability.

     Through its history, the Shelter and its programs have continued to grow to meet emerging community needs. As the new facility serves the county as a recognized community asset, Shelter programs become more familiar to the population.  Service numbers continue to grow.  Formerly at an undisclosed location, the new facility is clearly identified in the community helping victims to find support more readily.

     Annually the agency serves about 1,000 victims of domestic violence in a county with a population of about 94,000. Staff reaches about 10,000 students with age appropriate prevention education each year ranging from pre-school to college ages.  Over 300 children receive services to help them recover from domestic violence and sexual assault. One of the most powerful solutions to ending the generational cycle of violence has proven to be the agency’s new transitional housing program, where families have adequate time to learn the skills of independence.  The transitional housing program recently was rated first in its region for HUD projects.