Cass County resource fair features housing, legal and domestic violence assistance
CASSOPOLIS, Mich. -- The fair brought together organizations offering parenting assistance, legal assistance and resources for those trying to get out of domestic violence situations.
Melanie Hooker, Chair of the local planning body of the Michigan Balance of State Continuum of Care, put the event together which featured free legal aid, childcare and in-house parenting assistance. Hooker says she's seeing some concerning changes in the amount of domestic violence she handles.
"We’re noticing that the numbers have increased like in Van Buren County; it's increased 27 percent over last year. We’re seeing much more severe cases; we’re seeing repeated cases. We’re seeing cases not being prosecuted because you know victims are afraid. We’re seeing that the lack of housing is playing a big role in it. There’s no place to go, most of the domestic shelters are full, they’re just feeling lost like they have no other options," Hooker explained.
This is why she pulled together multiple organizations that work together to help victims of abuse.
"The County was here with a home repair program, the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency was here, and they help get people into housing. They have programs to help with deposits. Also, making sure that their children can get into school like Flowers Early Learning, sometimes that’s the best daycare that someone can get them in when they’re trying to start out you know, 'at least I can work for a few hours while my child’s at preschool,' so all of these things we work so closely with them."
Hooker Says when someone comes to her for help, she makes a plan so they can leave their abuser safely. Though, there are cases when people go back.
"I know it’s really frustrating sometimes when our loved ones keep going back to a bad situation but they’re going to keep going back and they’re going to get stuck if we don’t always let them come back so that’s my advice to families and friends."
Hooker tells ABC57 she has three women working in her office as well as a man since some of the male victims may feel more comfortable with him. They also have a bilingual advocate.
Domestic Violence Resources:
The Domestic Violence Coalition is led by Director Melanie Hooker. The address is 106 S. Niles St. in Paw Paw, Michigan. You can call them at 269-655-9008, email [email protected], or contact them online at Home - DVC: The domestic violence coalition.
Call the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474, Text LOVEIS to 22522, or contact them online at Healthy relationships for young adults | love is respect.
Substance Abuse Resources:
Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network is located at 960 M-60 East in Cassopolis, Michigan. Email Kelley Nickel, a Prevention Specialist/Recovery Coach or E.J. McAndrew, a Substance Use Disorder Prevention Supervisor/C.A.S.S. Community Coalition Coordinator. You can also contact Woodlands at 269-445-2451 or online.
Free Legal Aid Resources:
Legal Aid of Western Michigan has offices in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Holland, and St. Joseph.
For options in other locations, check Michigan Legal Help.
Emergency, Food, Housing, Weatherization Resources:
Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency has offices in Benton Harbor, Cassopolis, and Hartford, Michigan.
Anyone in Michigan can alsoDial 2-1-1at any time for direct agency referrals, up to date food pantry information, and more
Childcare Resources:
The main office of Flowers Early Learning is located in Paw Paw, Michigan, with locations in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Contact Melanie Bullock via email or by calling 269-716-8909. In addition to childcare services, they also offer School Readiness,
Conscious Discipline, Disability Services, Early Head Start Services, Education Services, Family Services, Father/Male Involvement, Health Services, and Prenatal Services.
Tri County Head Start Home Based Expectant Family Program can be contacted at 269-657-2581 and is located in Paw Paw, Michigan.