Clothing Closet
The Clothing Closet is stocked with brand new clothing, underwear, and toiletries for children who come to Safe Shores. Children who arrive at Safe Shores might need new clothing for any number of reasons: The clothing that they’re wearing needs to be taken for evidence, or it may have been damaged, ripped or torn during the abuse. In some cases, children are not returning home, instead moving into foster care or staying with relatives. Every child who comes to Safe Shores is offered seasonally-appropriate clothing in their correct size, as well as underwear, pajamas, and toiletries, all delivered in a duffel bag or backpack to create “take-care” bags for children.
In addition to the Clothing Closet, Client Advocacy Services also provides:
Meal Fund
The Meal Fund Program provides food to child victims who come to Safe Shores for forensic interviews or therapy sessions. The Meal Fund covers the cost of providing food onsite for children and their families.
Emergency Child & Adolescent Victim Crisis Fund
Modest financial assistance is available to children and their families in emergency situations to provide immediate relief for urgent needs. Requests might include coverage for transportation costs, school uniforms and supplies, infant/toddler car seats, summer camp fees, cribs and beds, nebulizers.
Teen Advocacy
Adolescents between the ages of 13 to 17 in DC who have been sexually assaulted have rights under DC law, one of which is the right to an advocate. Safe Shores Teen Advocates are there to help teens understand all of their options and support them in whatever choice they make. Some of the support a Teen Advocate can provide include referrals to medical care, mental health care, or legal support. Teen Advocates are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to the teen’s emergency needs.
