A Day in the Life

Renewal House provides one-on-one advocacy that addresses the particular needs of each individual or family, including public assistance as well as connecting residents to area programs that offer financial assistance, legal services, job training and education, counseling, health and dental services, and childcare. We provide structured support groups on parenting, self-esteem and domestic violence in an overall program rooted in love that believes in, and seeks out, restorative justice.

The shelter’s approach allows for an atmosphere of safety and hope in which physical, emotional and spiritual needs are all considered significant in the healing process. The ability of our guests to share their journeys with one another and provide mutual support, companionship and respect through a difficult time is key to the success of our program. We maintain relationships with residents long after they leave the shelter as they continue on their journey toward fullness and independence.

In 2007, we launched a new art therapy program for children staying at Renewal House. Art therapy can provide an effective way for children to work through difficult issues and move them toward healing and growth. Children arriving at Renewal House are often traumatized and almost always suffering emotionally, and the process of resettling is challenging. We are very excited about the potential benefits from an art therapy program in this process, for both the immediate and long term.