In the Women’s Shelter of Water Street Mission, we desire to create an environment of accountability and responsibility. This is rescue work, and the intensity can be similar to an emergency room setting. Some of our women are escaping dangerous situations while others have been living in survival mode for many years. Others have experienced financial difficulties and need time to save money before starting on their own again. Water Street Mission’s goal is to help women find employment, a place to call home, and a solution to the emptiness they’ve been feeling all their lives.
Provisions
We offer women and their children warm, safe shelter, three meals a day, clothing/toiletries as needed, and the love of Jesus Christ. Beyond the initial 30-day stay, clients may request shelter extensions on a monthly basis. It is during this extended stay that ladies begin to participate in classes about emotions, healthy relationships, sexual integrity, anger management, etc.
While a woman is looking for work or an apartment, optional enrollment is available in WSMission’s Learning and Career Center (GED, computer literacy, and money management) as well as Addiction Recovery Workshops and Childcare Classes. Weekly sessions with a WSMission counselor include biblical counseling, case management, and discussions of needs and goals. Through partnerships with local organizations/agencies, staff can also clearly direct clients to the exact community services they need most.
Playtime for children is provided during morning devotions, evening chapel, and other WSMission classes in which a woman may enroll. A client is responsible for her children during all other times.
If a client desires life transformation, we refer her to the Lydia Center, Water Street Ministries’ addiction recovery program for women.
Checking In
The Women’s Shelter offers help to women in Lancaster County. If someone outside of Lancaster County calls Water Street Mission for help, staff will refer that person to shelters in their own county where help can more easily been accessed.
To learn more about checking into the Women’s Shelter, click here.
To learn more about our programs, click on the links at the left.