Grant ties Wichita agencies together to aid young homeless victims
The Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, Wichita Children's Home and Catholic Charities Harbor House will partner together to provide intervention for victims of dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and trafficking.
The agencies are utilizing a three-year grant totaling $300,000 from the Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women.
"These kiddos and young adults have a real hard time connecting with the services," said Sarah Robinson, Wichita Children's Home executive director. "They don't have the means. They don't have medical cards. This group of folks will be accessable 24/7 to them."
Funding will provide one case manager advocate at Catholic Charities and one at WASAC. The Wichita Children's Home will get a therapist.
"When we get all the partners at the table, we are not looking at duplicating services. We are focusing very specifically on one-service delivery," said Kathy Williams, WASAC executive director.
The organizations will provide crisis intervention, counseling, medical response and mental health services to 13-22 year olds.
Williams said youth and young adults may not know if they are disclosing information to a safe person. The advocacy services provided can do that while leading them to their next steps.
"We know that there are barriers, because youth may not know where to go or how to access services," Williams said. "Our advocates are doing an outreach piece so that they can be immediately available to youth."
Risa Rehmert, coordinator of runaway and homeless services at the Wichita Children's Home, said homeless and runaway youth are forced into decision because their choices are made not knowing where they will spend the night or how they will get food, putting them at risk. Many grew up in homes with violence or alcohol abuse.
"They were groomed for it from a very early age," Rehmert said.
QuikTrip locations and Wichita fire stations are designated "Safe Places," where youth can go to contact someone for help.
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