A.I.M. - Assist, Invest, and Mentor
Our service model is called, A.I.M. With A.I.M., we assist clients in meetint their basic needs, invest in their overall well-being, and mentor them through one-on-one relationships. Over twenty-four months of consistent interactions, we educate women in four key areas: 1) how to gain economic independence, 2) form healthy relationships, 3) stabilize their families, and 4) strengthen their faith.
Using this service model we engage with survivors of domestic abuse and their children in a holistic, trauma-informed way. We offer sustainable solutions to overcoming barriers to healthy living and parenting. Through this model we have achieved positive outcomes for more than two-hundred women and their children.
For children of the clients we serve, our focus is on overcoming harmful effects of adverse childhood experiences caused by domestic abuse, poverty, maternal mental illness, the incarceration of a parent, neglect, or sexual abuse. We seek to be a positive intervening factor in the lives of children who experience this type of trauma. Those interventions occur throughout the year and offer children opportunities to participate in gymnastics, sports, and other creative learning activities. The outcome is a reduction in risk factors for mental health challenges, obesity, physical illness, and substance abuse.
Four Key Goals of A.I.M.
1. Gaining Economic Independence - We recognize the need for women to become economically secure. It is a key to their ability to live free of cycles of abuse. To help women achieve this goal, we provide access to coaching on how to interview for a job, how to negotiate for a salary, how to present a strong resume, and how to manage their finances.
"A woman's ability to leave or avoid domestic violence is often directly related to her level of economic security." National Council of Jewish Women
2. Forming Healthy Relationships - Our second goal is achieved through mentoring. With Volunteer Yokefellows, who have receive trauma training, one-on-one relationships are formed. Through these relationships, we mentor women to consistently put into practice the skills that lead to healthy relationships and a strong faith.
"Protective factors to prevent or reduce intimate partner violence are linked to quality friendships, social support, and available support services." Centers for Disease Control
3. Stabilizing Families - With the third part of our model we aim to ensure women and their children have their basic needs met for clothing, food, shelter, and transportation. Our goal is for every woman, who chooses to leave an abusive relationship, to find the support she needs in her community, when she needs it most.
"An estimated 98% of abused women also experience 'financial abuse' in which their partner controls all the money. Between 21% and 60% of domestic violence victims lose their jobs due to issues that their abuser caused." National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
4. Strengthening Faith - The fourth part of our model focuses on reducing the traumatic effects of abuse. We focus on addressing a survivor's emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Our Christ-centered approach to engaging with clients means there is never any condemnation nor judgement. There is only acceptance of where they are and a willingness to walk alongside them, as we share the Good News that there is hope.
"Every nine seconds in the U.S. a woman is assaulted or beaten." National Coalition Against Domestic Violence