Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I contact The Bridge to request services? You will need to set-up an appointment to begin receiving services by contacting the 24-hour crisis/referral hotline at 713.473.2801. Ask to set up an appointment to complete an assessment. Yes, you may still be able to receive services from us. The Bridge is part of the information and referral network and can help you, even if you reside outside of our target service area. How much do Bridge services cost and who can benefit from them? The Bridge offers a large variety of quality, cost-effective services. Clients are offered all services in the Emergency Shelter free of charge. Clients in long-term housing are charged rent and childcare depending on their income and ability to pay for services. These rates are significantly lower than community rates. Case-management and speaking engagements are offered free of charge as well. All services are provided without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, handicap, sexual orientation, religion, or political beliefs. Are services offered in languages other than English? The Bridge offers all services in English and Spanish. The Bridge has a cooperative working agreement in place that will offer translation services for other languages as needed. What can I do to help a friend/family member in need of services? You may call the 24-hour hotline (713.473.2801) on behalf of someone else. If I call the hotline, is the information confidential? Yes. In no instance is identifying information from the call ever revealed. If I seek help and reveal abuse or violence does The Bridge call the police or the abuse/offender? No. It is The Bridge's policy to not call the police unless asked. With regards to the abuser, The Bridge will never attempt to contact an abuser. (The only stipulations to this are if the individual is a minor a report will be made to Child Protective Services or if the individual is age 65+ and has a mental/ physical disability a report will be made to Adult Protective Services in compliance with Texas State laws.) How long can I stay in the Emergency Shelter? Women/children are granted an initial stay in the emergency shelter for up to 1 month (30 days). At the end of 30 days, you may apply for an extension through your caseworker for additional time provided you are working on goals. Longer stays in the shelter are generally 6 months. Typically, women enter and exit the shelter within 48 hours. In 2008, the average length of stay was 27 days. Do children have to change schools while residing in the Emergency Shelter? Sometimes, depending on the child's safety and transportation options that are available. Children's program staff will work with the family and the school to determine the best situation for the family. How do women qualify for permanent/transitional housing programs? Criteria for initial entry into the program includes:
Does a person need to be documented as a legal immigrant to receive services? No. Services are offered without regards to immigration status. What age of children do you serve? The children's services program serves children ages birth to 17 years old. Our specialized, professional childcare serves children ages 6-weeks to 12 years old. What specialized services are available for children? Children's services are offered in a safe, nurturing environment. Child activities provide a healthy outlet for children and help them to develop positive social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills. Children's program staff will work with the family to develop a personalized case plan and ensures their needs are met through on-site childcare, school advocacy, transportation, tutoring, support/education groups, and individual sessions with The Bridge's Family Therapist. Are the Children's programs state-licensed? The Children's program at the emergency shelter is exempt from licensure; however, we do follow state guidelines regarding health and safety-operating as if we were licensed. The program at Destiny Village (long-term shelter) is licensed by the state and operates under its regulations. How do I arrange for a speaker to visit my group/class/meeting and is there a fee? To set up a speaking engagement with The Bridge's community outreach and prevention/education department, contact Lupe Cedillo, Community Prevention Manager, at (713) 472-0753 ext. 121 or LCedillo@tbotw.org Why don't those who are abused just leave? There are many factors that make it difficult for people to leave an abusive situation. Many times, the abusive partner has kept the person financially dependent. They either are not allowed to attend work/school or they may control the money that is being brought in and does not let them make any financial decisions. The partner can isolate them from friends and family leaving them without resources or a support system. Fear can also be brought on by threats, "You'll never see your children again," or "I will hurt or kill you or a family member," which makes it hard for the abused person to see any way out of the situation. Low self-esteem from repeated emotional/ physical/ mental abuse can compound these issues. Finally, many stay because they really do love their partner and feel like they will change. Even when a person does make the decision to leave they can face many hardships including lack of employment or income, transportation, affordable childcare, and low self-esteem. Statistically, the most dangerous time for the abused person is when they are fleeing the violent situation. In addition, navigating through the legal and social systems can seem overwhelming. These barriers make it critical for families in need to receive caring, informed support. The Bridge can serve as the necessary lifeline to empower families to overcome barriers and rebuild their lives free from violence.
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