As Family Violence Prevention Month winds down, Agape House launches its new website, complete with a few new and interactive features.
Executive Director Tracie Rigby explains that the new site contains information on what services are available through the shelter as well as frequently asked questions related to abuse and accessing local resources. “It allows people to be able to learn more about what the shelter is all about and the services we offer including our provincial (toll-free)crisis line that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week–this service is one that not a lot of people know about for example”. Rigby continues “Because of the nature of our work we must maintain a lower profile but our website offers information that provides insight into what staying at the shelter is like, and can offer options to women in a crisis situation. It also offers resources and tips on how to help a friend that may be dealing with abuse”.
Other features on the site include news and upcoming events, items currently in high demand at the shelter, how you can contribute, and how you can get in touch with the shelter, day or night.
Now being able to contact an organization via email is a standard feature, but to to a shelter that deals with crisis situations it is much more…Rigby explains “Having potential clients being able to reach us this way is a very convenient and powerful communication tool–it allows the women to be able to ask specific questions they have and on their own schedule of when it works for them, in the privacy of their own home or wherever they have computer access”. This tool in particular has actually resulted in referrals of clients into the shelter. “Yes it allows women to be able to get in touch with counselors and we have had a number of clients access our services and stay in the shelter as a result of contacting us this way” states Rigby…”And the more women, and their children, we can help, the better”.
You can visit Agape House online at www.agapehouse.ca.
