HISTORY
In 1981, a group of citizens concerned about the lack of services to victims of family violence, because of the close of a women’s shelter, held open forums and developed a task force to address the problem.  Incorporated in May of 1982 as a not-for-profit membership organization, Renewal House initiated services in March of 1983 with minimal funding.  Renewal House was and currently still is the only domestic violence agency in St. Lawrence County.  Over one hundred women and their children received help in 1983 and 1984.  Emergency shelter became a top priority and a Program Development Grant from NYS Department of Social Services was received in October 1984 for a safe home project.  The network of voluntary safe homes was effective for short-term (1-3 days) crisis housing but a critical need for alternative, long-term housing became apparent. The Safe-Apartment (6 beds) opened in 1987 providing shelter to victims for up to 30 days (extension to 90 if necessary).  The second Safe-Apartment was opened in 1989.  Licensing occurred in 1989 as New York State initiated new regulations for residential programs and a certification process for domestic violence programs.  Renewal House is certified as a safe home network provider and a safe-dwelling provider.  In 1998 Renewal House received a grant from the New York State Homeless Housing Assistance Program. Renewal House has been able to purchase a home in the county for residential services.

Since 1982, Renewal House has been, and continues to be, committed to providing support and shelter to victims of domestic violence and their families, in an environment free from coercion, fear, judgment, or duress.  It is a client-centered service emphasizing self-help and the ability of individuals to take control of their own lives.  Renewal House has grown from one part-time person to a staff of nine full-time and one part-time.  The number of individuals served has increased dramatically as well as the comprehensiveness of the service.

Although the financial situation is far from secure, Renewal House is slowly, but surely, developing a comprehensive, relatively stable financial base.  Donations from individuals and private organizations have increased to approximately $20,000 per year.  As of January 1992, New York State has mandated that the local Department of Social Services pay a per diem for residential service.  Renewal House currently receives funding from the NYS Crime Victims Board, United Way of Northern New York, SLC Youth Bureau, the Augsbury Institute, Division of Criminal Justice Services, Federal Family Violence Prevention and Education Services Act, SLC Department of Social Services, private donations and fundraising.

For five years, Renewal House provided a men’s self-help group for batterers wanting to change their behavior.  In 1998, the St. Lawrence Domestic Violence Task Force formed a committee to address the issue of forming a batterers group in St. Lawrence County. As a result, a program was formed to address this issue.  The new program is now called “The Offender Accountability Group”.  Catholic Charities in Ogdensburg oversees this program.  The program consists of group meetings by alleged abusers.  Members of the group can volunteer or are mandated by the courts to attend these meetings.  A male and female facilitator conducts the groups.  Participants are required to attend all meetings and are responsible for their own transportation and they pay on a sliding fee scale.

PHILOSOPHY
Domestic Violence is a pattern of controlling and coercive behavior, which can involve physical, sexual, economic, emotional, and psychological abuse.  It affects people of all social, economic, racial, religious, and ethnic groups whether they are married, divorced, living together, dating, or in a gay or lesbian relationship.  Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, but women are by far the most common victims.

Renewal House views domestic violence as a complex social issue, not merely an individual problem or a problem between two people.  When 1/2 of all couples experience at least one incidence of abuse, and 20% experience severe, ongoing violence, one must look beyond individual psychological problems for a solution and begin to examine both the social roles we place men and women in and the acceptance and “valuation of male violence in our culture.”  When we have in mind the cultural background and prevalence of violence against women it is easier to understand that the battered woman is not an abnormality. It is not unlikely that a given woman will be battered by someone close to her in her lifetime.

When a victim of domestic violence comes to us for help, we assume him/her to be a basically healthy, functioning adult who needs safety, information, support, and advocacy.  Given these aids, the Renewal House client will make their own choices about what they want to do and we will offer whatever support is appropriate in reaching their goals. Renewal House is a participant (client) centered service emphasizing self-help and the ability of individuals to take control of their own lives.  We are committed to providing our clients with an environment free from coercion, fear, judgment, and duress.

The central idea to keep in mind when working with a victim is empowerment.  Choices and options have been systematically taken away by domestic violence.  It is our goal to help the victim take them back.  When we make a decision or question their judgment, or tell him/her their choices are wrong, we are not empowering the victim; we are taking over where the abuser left off and it is this which we want to avoid.

Our goal is to help participants identify abuse, recognize their own strengths and weaknesses and make decisions of their own making.  When a person has done this, then they have been empowered to some degree-no matter what their decisions are. 

Domestic Violence: It Is Your Business! 
Help Break the Silence.