Since 1981 Arise has been the community’s response to violence and abuse, serving victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Other Serious Crimes and Older Victims of Any Crime, as well as services to Human Trafficking victims, while also working to prevent violence and abuse through prevention education, intervention training, and public awareness. Therapy services have been added for trauma victims.  As a member of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the local shelter is active in the oldest and most respected coalition in the country. Statewide, the Shelter’s services are recognized for innovative program excellence.

As the only domestic violence emergency shelter and sexual assault agency in Lawrence County, the agency’s comprehensive programming serves to address many client needs under one roof.  Arise programs, along with those of the many community partners we collaborate with, offer practical solutions and helpful opportunities to the families we serve. Our services are free to all victims in Lawrence County and surrounding communities regardless of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, income level, or disability.

Throughout its history, the Shelter, as well as its programs, has continued to grow to meet emerging community needs. As the facility serves the county as a recognized community asset, Shelter programs have become more familiar to the Lawrence County population. Formerly at an undisclosed location, the current facility is clearly identified in the community helping victims to more readily find support.

Annually, the agency serves nearly 1500 victims/survivors in a county with a population of just over 91,000. Staff reaches nearly 5000 students with age-appropriate prevention education each year ranging from pre-school to college ages and nearly 1200 community members with awareness/intervention training.  One of the most powerful solutions to ending the generational cycle of violence has proven to be the agency’s transitional housing program, where families have adequate time to learn the skills of independence.

We understand that each individual has a unique set of needs and goals. For that reason, each service that we offer is tailored to the need of the individual. Our staff believes that every person knows what is best for themselves and possesses the internal power to heal and live a life free of violence and abuse. Through providing education, offering choices and practical solutions, and connecting individuals to resources through our large network of community partnerships, victims can transform into survivors as they release the powerful grip violence has on their lives. From walking side-by-side individuals at medical appointments and court hearing, assisting with developing plans for personal safety, offering counseling and emergency housing services, our staff will be there each step of the way, extending as much or as little support as requested.

We recognize the important role that the community plays in supporting Arise’s mission of ending violence and abuse in our community. As a result, we offer training programs for professionals to support their work with survivors and prevention education to all age groups so that they can interrupt the cycle of violence. Each training and education session is customized to fulfill the goals and outcomes of its audience. Together, we can be a beacon of hope in our community.

Discrimination Grievance Procedures

It is the policy of Arise not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion,
sex, age, perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender identity or gender
expression, marital status, national origin, or disability. Arise has adopted an
internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of
complaints alleging any action prohibited by the Federal Office for Civil Rights
(OCR). This policy covers all acts prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services regulations implementing the Act. Section 504 prohibits discrimination
on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial
assistance. The Law and Regulations may be examined in the office of the
Executive Director, who has been designated to coordinate the efforts of Arise to
comply with Section 504.

Any person who believes she/he/they has been subjected to discrimination on
the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, perceived or actual sexual orientation,
gender identity or gender expression, marital status, national origin, or disability
may file a grievance under this procedure. It is against the law for Arise to
retaliate against anyone who files a grievance or cooperates in the investigation
of a grievance.

Procedure:
– Grievances must be submitted within 30 days of the date the person filing
the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.
– A complaint must be in writing, containing the name and address of the
person filing it. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to
be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought.
– The Executive Director (or her/his/their designee) shall conduct an
investigation of the complaint. This investigation may be informal, but it
must be thorough, affording all interested persons an opportunity to submit
evidence relevant to the complaint. The Executive Director will maintain
the files and records of Arise relating to such grievances.
– The Executive Director will issue a written decision on the grievance no
later than 30 days after its filing.
– The person filing the grievance may appeal the decision of the Executive
Director by writing to the Arise Board of Directors within 15 days of
receiving the Executive Director’s decision. The Board of Directors shall
issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 days
after its filing.
– If the grievance is against the Executive Director, the complaint may be
sent directly to the Arise Board of Directors for investigation. The Board
President will conduct an investigation and issue a written decision on the
grievance no later than 30 days after its filing.
– The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a
person from filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of race, color,
religion, sex, age, perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender identity or
gender expression, marital status, national origin, or disability with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.

Arise staff will assist the complainant in accessing any and all information about
applicable laws, complaint forms, and the investigative process from the Office of
Civil Rights. Arise will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that disabled
persons are provided other accommodations, if needed, to participate in this
grievance process. Such arrangements may include, but are not limited to,
providing interpreters for the deaf, providing taped cassettes of material for the
blind, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings. The Executive
Director will be responsible for such arrangements.

To read the EEO Statement & Non-Harassment Policy in its entirety, Click Here

June 2023 Annual Report