Hardwick, VT

ABOUT US

AWARE's mission is grounded in non-violence and strives to prevent and heal the trauma of domestic and sexual violence in such a way that all people are empowered to act towards themselves and others with awareness, empathy, respect and personal responsibility. Honesty, compassion and transparency are vital elements in meeting the needs of our community. Those seeking our services are our priority. We also focus on prevention and educational leadership.

AWARE, a non-profit organization established in 1984, is dedicated to resolving the causes and effects of domestic violence and sexual assault in the greater Hardwick area. AWARE provides services year-round, 24 hours a day, governed by a volunteer board of directors, utilizing paid employees and numerous volunteers.  AWARE serves the towns of Cabot, Craftsbury, Greensboro, Hardwick, Stannard, Walden, and Woodbury.

SEEKING HELP?
Are you or a friend experiencing abuse? WE CAN HELP. NO ONE DESERVES TO BE HURT, THREATENED, OR ABUSED.

If you believe that you or somebody you know is being abused you can contact us to discuss what can be done or start by visiting our education page to learn more.

Services are free, confidential and available to women, men, and children of all ages, races, backgrounds, abilities, and sexual orientation.

SERVICES AVAILABLE

• 24-hour crisis hotline - 802.472.6463
• Crisis assistance and support.
• Information and referrals.
• On-going emotional support.
• Information and support for family members and friends.
• Assistance with filing civil protection orders.
• Assistance with divorce, parentage, and other court forms.
• Court advocacy, information, and support.
• Assistance in finding legal help and representation.
• Advocacy with other system providers.
• Transportation to court.
• Financial empowerment and education.
• Housing referrals and assistance.
• Assistance with emergency provisions.
• Workshops, community and special events.
• Consultation and training for community professionals.
• Prevention programs for schools and community organizations.
• A lending library of books and videos.

LEGAL ADVOCACY

AWARE’s Legal Advocacy Program addresses domestic and sexual violence in our community by assisting and empowering survivors with civil legal issues such as emergency relief from abuse orders, divorce, separation, child custody and visitation, and child support. Access to legal information, legal advice and legal representation to survivors of abuse is crucial. Advocates work directly with survivors of domestic and sexual violence offering them support and assistance in maneuvering through their legal cases.

By accessing legal information and remedies, survivors are able to increase their own and their families safety, enhance their financial situation, increase their knowledge and understanding of the legal system and get connected with other community resources.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

AWARE’s Economic Empowerment Initiative assists participants in achieving economic stability and self-sufficiency during confidential one-to-one meetings. Referrals are made to appropriate agencies for additional assistance. Specific support services include: use of AHS “Screen Door” (a screening tool); referrals to Tangible Assets programs; assistance with tax returns; debt management and reduction; access to credit scores and help with credit repair; assistance with applying for affordable housing and other financial assistance programs.

Participants learn a variety of financial strategies such as opening bank accounts, balancing a checkbook, borrowing basics, debt management, strategies for creating a budget and saving money, paying their own bills, obtaining sources of income through employment, child support or other financial assistance programs, and finding safe and affordable housing and discovering the importance of good credit.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

AWARE provides support to children and teens through prevention education, individual advocacy, and group support.

ADVOCACY

AWARE offers free and confidential advocacy and support services for teens around Teen Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, Stalking and Bullying issues.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Many different support groups are offered for children of all ages, from Pre-K through college students. Most are offered through the schools, during the school day. Topics can include domestic violence, sexual violence, peer aggression, healthy relationships, body image, positive leadership skill development, and more.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

AWARE offers educational programs to youth of all ages through schools in our area. These classes cover a variety of topics from violence prevention to awareness building to healthy sexual development.

Find us on Facebook at AWARE Youth 802.

Contact our Youth Advocate for more information about Youth Programs. 802.472.6463 x224 or awareyouth@vtlink.net.

This listing appears in these categories: Aid Organizations,Human Resources & Services,Non-Profit Groups,Organizations

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AWARE Sexual & Domestic Violence Services

P.O. Box 307
Hardwick, VT 05843
Phone: 802-472-6463
E-mail: aware@vtlink.net
www.awarevt.org/about.html

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