Domestic Abuse Resource Center HOTLINE 800-383-2988, Free and Confidential.
Hello! My name is Kristy Wirkler and I was recently hired as a Family Educator for Clayton County. I have worked in the early childhood field since 2006 – my roles over the years have included assistant Head Start teacher, lead Head Start teacher, and Head Start center manager. I grew up on small farm…
Community Empowerment was established by Legislation during the 1998 session to create a partnership between communities and state government, emphasizing improving the well-being of families with young children. Community empowerment areas enabled local citizens to lead collaborative efforts involving education, health, and human services programs for children, families, and other citizens residing in the area….
Summer safety is no laughing matter! Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but you want to make sure it is safe and healthy for you and your family. Summer can be dangerous with sunny days leading to serious health issues like food poisoning, sunburns, and heat-related illnesses. Here are some tips to…
Dating violence and stalking prevention education is a part of the services we provide at the Domestic Abuse Resource Center. Advocates in the Resource Center provide background and knowledge of safe and healthy relationships and assist students with skills to set personal boundaries. Dating violence advocates work with students from 6th grade through college by…
One of the most impactful prevention strategies in Delaware County is the facilitation of the Healthy Delaware County Coalition. This coalition started back in 2000 when there was a huge uptick in children being removed from their homes due to methamphetamine use. Substance use prevention efforts haven’t stopped since. Formerly known as the Delaware County…
Supporting survivors of domestic violence is the number one priority of the Domestic Abuse Resource Center (DARC). One way advocates this is achieved is through client assistance – whether it is gas cards, grocery cards, nights in a hotel to provide a safe place, and more. There have been ebbs and flows in funding levels…
Youth Mentoring has expanded into Southern Fayette County and Clayton County after being awarded funding through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The growth of Youth Mentoring at Helping Services provides the opportunity to add a staff member, with Jenny Rose becoming the Clayton County Youth Mentoring Coordinator in January. Since starting in…
Child advocacy is one of the services the Domestic Abuse Resource Center offers. Child clients currently live or have lived in homes where abuse is occurring. Child clients, age 6 and up, may work with an advocate one-on-one or in their sibling group. They work on building rapport and trust initially, then on self-regulation, coping…
The Domestic Abuse Resource Center (DARC) serves adults, teens, and children who have experienced unhealthy relationships in Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties. DARC Advocates are committed to helping survivors access the information and services they seek and provide options that fit their needs. Advocates offer crisis counseling, community resources, and referrals…
Prevention education and promoting safer communities is an essential part of our work at Helping Services. Dating Violence and Stalking Advocacy Coordinator, Brittany McIntyre, continues to partner with the Title IX office and the Office of Student Engagement at Luther College, to provide the evidence-based bystander curriculum, Green Dot. Communities that actively use the Green…