Community Program Services
CFVC has implemented a Community Program to see clients who do not reside on property, in either shelter or the Transitional Housing Program.
Supportive Services
Case Management/Client Advocacy – Cherokee Family Violence Center’s client advocacy services offer non-judgmental support, validation, encouragement and acknowledgement of strengths to all individuals seeking our services. Advocates are committed to listening, being empathetic and flexible. They acknowledge and respect the right for each individual to design their own journey towards healing. Advocates use a trauma-informed approach to help residents identify their self-sufficiency goals and the necessary resources to achieve those goals as well as provide emotional support and identify strategies to overcome obstacles.
In-Person Crisis Counseling – Advocates provide crisis intervention, including safety planning to individuals living in transitional housing and in the community.
Household Establishment Assistance – CFVC helps clients that have left their abusive situation reestablish a household with items such as clothing, furniture and household articles through community partners such as Atlanta Furniture Bank, Salvation Army, and Action Church.
Public Benefits Assistance – Advocates provide awareness of the availability of public benefits such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and related social services. They assist victims in completing the required forms, gathering the needed documentation, and filing for benefits. The assistance may also involve accompanying the victim to the social service agency and making follow-up contact with the social service agency on behalf of the victim.
Advocacy With Other Agencies – Advocates assist victims in securing rights, remedies, and services from other agencies. This may include locating emergency financial assistance, intervening with employers, school administrators, creditors, bill collectors, landlords, and others on behalf of the victim; assisting in filing for public benefits; accompanying a victim to an appointment and speaking on the victim’s behalf.
Transportation Assistance – Canton is a rural area and transportation can be a barrier for clients without transportation. There is public transportation that stops at CFVC. There is a fixed route service of the Cherokee County Government. This program is called CATS – Cherokee Area Transportation System. Schedules are available in the CFVC office.
Intimate Partner Violence Course (IPV) – Demonstrate knowledge of the dynamics and warning signs of domestic violence, identify indicators of healthy relationships, understand the effect of domestic violence on children, and increase knowledge of resources in the community. Success for this requirement will be measured by completion of 12 classes of IPV. We encourage you to take this course your first year because we have found the longer you reside in your apartment the busier you get.
Financial Empowerment Group – CFVC offers the opportunity for victims to meet in small groups to work together toward their financial goals. During our Financial Empowerment Classes, a facilitator begins the meeting by presenting educational material and workbook exercises. The group setting also provides time for survivors to exchange ideas and develop solutions to financial challenges together.
Emergency Financial Assistance – When funds are available, CFVC may be able to help families with emergency financial assistance. We provide emergency financial assistance for needs such as gasoline to get to appointments, court hearings, and other locations.
Low-Cost Medical and Dental Services – when funds are available, clients without medical insurance, CFVC provides access to low-cost primary health care and services including medications, blood tests, and other non-emergency medical, dental and counseling services.
Individualized Safety Plans – Safety planning is at the heart of the work we do with all victims who have experienced abuse. Each Advocate discusses a client’s individual safety concerns, probes for lethality indicators and informs the client of available resources and support. CFVC acts as a resource for developing safety strategies, but acknowledges that the client is the best resource concerning her own safety. CFVC’s role is to support her in her goals for safety, whether that is to leave her abuser, reunite with him, or to stay in the relationship.
Triple P – CFVC has trained staff that facilitates the Positive Parenting Program, or “Triple P,” with victims. It is one of the most effective evidence-based parenting programs in the world, backed up by more than 30 years of ongoing research. Triple P gives parents simple and practical strategies to help them confidently manage their children’s behavior, prevent problems developing, and build strong, healthy relationships.
Support Groups – These free groups for both adults and children (ages 4-18) provide a safe place to talk about feelings and experiences in an atmosphere free of judgment and age appropriate. The groups also provide victims the opportunity to meet and talk with other people who have shared similar experiences. Please call our Hotline (770) 479-1703 for directions and meeting times. Childcare is provided during the meetings.
Additional Groups – Throughout the year, CFVC offers additional groups depending on wants and needs clients express. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Financial Empowerment, and Triple P parenting class, Career Development, Grief and Loss (Trauma), Mindfulness, and Growing Together are different groups the advocates have implemented.