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INDIANAPOLIS — Everyone deserves a safe home — that's the message from Coburn Place, an organization that provides housing and resources to survivors of domestic violence.
Unfortunately for many Hoosiers, domestic abuse can not only be a barrier to feeling secure but it can also impact a person's independence and ability to make a living.
Right now in Marion County, nearly 600 families identify themselves as feeling domestic violence situations. Organizations like Coburn Place are available to not only give these survivors a safe place to live, but they are also helping them get the tools for finding a job.
LEARN MORE | Coburn Place
Many survivors have their confidence eroded and the lack of a stable home can prevent people from finding jobs they need to make it on their own.
Carrie Stephens, housing coordinator at Coburn Place, said landing a job can help lead to independence away from an abuser.
"One of the biggest hardships with a survivor that is not employed — number one — their question is where am I going to bathe at to go to work?" Stephens said. "How am I going to get myself prepared each day to get to work? And what address am I going to use on my application? A job helps with giving back some of that self-worth. It boosts their self-esteem."
Coburn Place has seen many success stories in the past, like a domestic abuse survivor becoming a paralegal. Also, one survivor named Violet came to Coburn Place as a "broken woman" after suffering from physical abuse leaving her with PTSD. With the help of her advocate at Coburn and therapy, she was able to enroll in school. She earned scholarships and a work study position. She was able to move into safe, independent housing and is paving her path to success.
The organization is working to serve clients in more robust ways.
"We provide wrap around services, so if ourselves as advocates are not able to meet with them and help them with their resumes, applications, setting up profiles on Indeed or Monster, we have volunteers that have actually offered to provide that service to our survivors," Stephens said.
Examples include assistance with childcare, providing uniforms and shoes, even career coaching.
If you are a victim of domestic violence and need help, the national hotline is 1-800-799-7233.
