Supporting Genesis Women’s Shelter

VIRA Insight’s social responsibility program, Connecting with Care (CwC), was recently launched to give back to the DFW Metroplex community and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. After careful research, VIRA selected Genesis Woman’s Shelter & Support as the primary charitable organization for CwC’s focus. Genesis is a leading advocate for and provider of exceptional services to women and children affected by domestic violence in the Metroplex area.

With a long-term vision to eradicate domestic violence (DV), Genesis trains community members to become ambassadors, spreading awareness about DV and the vital services Genesis offers. Ambassador training became one of the first CwC volunteer opportunities at VIRA. VIRA volunteers learned to effect change by dispelling myths about DV, which helps victims get support to escape and abusers get convicted for their crimes.

The Prevalence of Domestic Violence 

The problem of DV is pervasive, affecting millions of women in the U.S. every year, across all ethnicities, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds and neighborhoods. Nationally, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime, with the statistic rising to 1 in 3 women in Texas. The devastating impacts of DV extend beyond physical and mental abuse to nearly every aspect of a woman’s life, including difficulties at work and forced financial dependence. Genesis understands the magnitude of this issue and offers a full range of innovative services to give help and hope to victims. Currently, Genesis assists nearly 4000 individuals annually in the Metroplex area. 

Genesis’ Comprehensive Approach and 24-Hour Helpline

Genesis has taken a holistic approach to helping women and children affected by DV, offering wraparound services to support victims’ physical, emotional, legal and financial needs. The highly intentional and thoughtful Genesis’ process meets each individual where they are in their journey with DV and customizes services for their specific needs. The journey toward safety often begins with a call to the Genesis 24-hour helpline, staffed by trauma-informed professionals. All Genesis staff, from receptionists to teachers to meal preparers, receive training in trauma-informed care. Throughout supportive interactions with Genesis, women are never pressured or told what they “should” do – empowering victims to seek care at their own pace. All Genesis services are provided free of charge, with no strings attached, and clients are encouraged to utilize the services as much and as often as needed.

Genesis Residential Services

Genesis offers both residential and non-residential services. The residential program includes an emergency shelter where women and children can stay for up to eight weeks and Annie’s House, apartments where clients stay for up to a year. The emergency shelter is designed for those in crisis, providing a safe space away from immediate danger. During a short-term or long-term residential stay, victims receive personalized care including group and individual trauma counseling using cutting-edge therapies, safety planning, child care, legal services and occupational therapy (OT). OT addresses daily issues such as job security, sleep disruption, social anxiety and financial independence. OT frees up mental health counselors to work on trauma at a deeper emotional level with clients.

Genesis has the alternative Simmons School on-site in its emergency shelter, to ensure children can continue their education without leaving the safety of the shelter. The on-site school and OT services, reflect Genesis’ innovative approach to care. Annie’s House offers nicely furnished, well-appointed apartments that foster mom and child bonding, healing and growth. Through their residential services, Genesis aims to help clients grow in self-reliance, and believe that they are not at fault for the abuse and are deserving of a life free from violence.

Genesis Non-Residential Services

The majority of Genesis clients access services through the non-residential program, provided in two locations, Genesis at Lucas and Genesis at South Oak Cliff. These services include the same exceptional support offered to residential clients but by appointment at the dedicated non-residential facilities. By providing access to tailored counseling, legal services, safety planning and financial planning, Genesis empowers clients to take proactive steps before needing emergency shelter. The non-residential program builds confidence and helps women gradually regain control of their lives.

Genesis, Distinctly Different 

Genesis sets the standard for DV victim care through its innovative, evidence-based programs and continuous focus on improvement. Ruth Guerreiro, the Chief Clinical Officer at Genesis, leads the charge in refining the organization’s clinical services and training their clinicians on best practices. “We are always looking ahead to enhance our clinical services and ensure we are providing the most effective therapies,” Guerreiro explains. To improve its services, Genesis incorporates feedback from frequent client surveys and research from the latest studies.

Unlike many nonprofit organizations, Genesis is very intentional in ensuring that every donation, volunteer activity and event, directly benefits the individuals they serve. From myriad community education programs to customized therapies, Genesis is committed to delivering on their mission and vision. Remarkably 80% of Genesis’ budget is spent on mission-related activities, which is even more commendable given that Genesis does not seek federal funding. Partnering with Genesis, VIRA can be sure that CwC volunteers’ time and donations directly help women and children affected by DV. Genesis’ approach and organizational values are in near-perfect alignment with VIRA’s, enabling the Genesis-CwC partnership to flourish.

Genesis and Connecting with Care, a Flourishing Partnership 

In its first year, CwC has quickly developed a supportive voice and supplied willing hands to help Genesis carry out their life-changing and life-saving vision and mission. VIRA CwC participants have found volunteering, sponsoring events, and becoming Genesis ambassadors, to be both an exhilarating challenge and incredibly fulfilling. With unwavering support from Genesis, the first CwC committee has done the hard work to build a solid foundation, making future efforts easier for those who follow. The energy and enthusiasm generated in year one, promise to carry over into an equally exciting year two for the CwC and Genesis partnership.