Domestic Violence Support Group

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This 8-week group is open to persons who have experienced or are currently experiencing abuse in an intimate partner relationship including emotional, verbal, economic, sexual, or physical abuse. Topics discussed include dynamics of domestic violence, the relationship between thoughts and feelings, boundaries, managing emotions, self-esteem, and self-care.

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Domestic Violence Support Group, Part II

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This 8-week group is a continuation of the Domestic Violence Support Group and open to those participants who would like to go further in their group-support experience. This group covers healthy relationships, sexuality, identity, setting boundaries, self-care and setting goals.

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Domestic Violence Writing Group

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This 8-week group is open to women who have experienced or are currently experiencing abuse in an intimate partner relationship including emotional, verbal, economic, sexual, or physical abuse. The group is a space to explore the use of writing in the service of healing and share writing in a safe, non-judgmental space.

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Divorce, Separation, Relationship Endings: Healthy Relationships

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This 8-week group is open to women who have experienced or are contemplating separation and/or divorce/termination of a long-term relationship. The group will address common issues that women face during this process, such as grief, loss, anger, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, legal and financial concerns, parenting/co-parenting issues, and managing change. The focus of the group will be to provide support, encouragement, and information in a safe, nurturing, and confidential environment.

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Self-Esteem Support Group

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This 8-week group is open to women who want to work on building their self-esteem and encourage others in their own journey of personal growth. Topics discussed in the group include self-compassion, self-care, and building connections with others.

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Art of Healing Workshop

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This workshop is offered monthly. Participants are invited to and afternoon of art-making, processing, self-care, creative expression, mindfulness and community. Participants will be led through art and writing activities with a focus on expression, hope, healing, and strengths. No previous art-making or writing experience is required.

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Coping Through the Holidays Workshop

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This workshop is offered annually in December as the Holidays are often a difficult time for survivors of domestic violence. Compass Center is inviting survivors to participate in this evening of sharing, learning, and community, focusing on the particular challenges of the holiday season.

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Friends & Family / Secondary Survivors Workshop

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Your presence and support can be an invaluable benefit to your friend or loved one. This workshop will help family; friends, and secondary survivors understand why someone stays in an abusive relationship and how to help safely. As a witness of abuse, you may want to do anything you can to make it better, yet also feel like there is nothing you can do to make it better. Join us to find answers to some of your questions and to gain a deeper understanding.

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Who is eligible for the Housing Program?

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In order to qualify for the grant, a client must:

• Be a survivor of domestic or family violence

• Have experienced housing instability as a result of domestic or family violence that occurred within the last 18 months

• Be either 18+ or an emancipated minor

• Be able to meet with Compass Center staff once a month

• Be able to live safely without 24 hour access to staff support

Preference is given to clients who live in Orange County or have recently fled Orange County because of domestic violence.

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I am having trouble paying my rent. Can Compass Center’s Housing Grant help me stay in my current home?

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The best way to start a Housing Grant application is to call Compass Center’s hotline at (919) 929-7122. The advocate will ask you some brief questions to determine if you meet the basic eligibility requirements for the program. If you cannot call, you can email the Housing Coordinator at dvhousing@compassctr.org. If you are eligible for the program, you will be asked to fill out an application and complete a 30-40 minute interview with a staff member. After the interview, it will take one to two weeks for staff to review your application.

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Is there any way to expedite the application process?

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The short answer is no. In order to be fair to all applicants, we review applications in the order they are completed. If you need emergency help, please tell an advocate and we will do our best to connect you with a program that can offer that.

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How much support does this program offer? How long does the support last?

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The program can offer up to $5,000 of support, depending on family size. We are able to pay for moving expenses, utilities, and deposits for rent and utilities. We are also able to pay up to four full months of rent, up to 50% of the client’s income or fair market rate, whichever is lower. The support generally lasts for four months, although in some cases can be extended to up to six months.

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I need somewhere to stay tonight. Can this program help?

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Compass Center is happy to assist you in looking for emergency housing, but unfortunately the Housing Micro-Grant Program is unable to assist with emergency needs. From the time someone applies to the program to when they move into new housing can be between three and eight weeks, depending on their specific needs. Please contact the Compass Center Hotline if you are in need of emergency housing.

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Who can I contact if I have other questions about the program?

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You can call our hotline number, or email dvhousing@compassctr.org. We are excited to hear from you!

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