Transitions

The YWCA’s women’s economic empowerment and extended housing program provides apartments, skill and job training, and domestic violence recovery services to victims their children making the transition to an independent life.

Located in historic downtown Janesville in the Jeffris Flats Apartments at 318 Dodge St, Janesville, WI 53548.

Program Overview

Fleeing an abuser often leaves women and children homeless and in need of training and support to recover and gain independence and self-sufficiency.

Transitions offers a path to domestic violence recovery through case management and support groups with the goal of obtaining permanent housing.

Transitions programming is as demanding as it is rewarding, and the requirements for continued participation can initially seem overwhelming. The results, however, can be positively life changing, helping a woman rebuild self-confidence, regain self-respect, and become a role model.

Program Services

As a participant, you’ll be required to contribute time and energy to your recovery. And, of course, Transitions will offer services to help you along the way:

You will meet with your case manager each week for one hour. Your case manager will assist you in developing and achieving your goals. She acts as an advocate, offers options, makes referrals, provides support, develops crisis plans, and prepares staffing reports.
You will meet each month with your case manager and the Director of Transitions. This meeting will focus on domestic violence recovery and goal achievement.
You will be a participant in the weekly women’s group. Each group is topic oriented and is mean to be both healing and life -enriching.
Your children will be given services and depending on their age, will meet individually with our Child Youth Advocate. You may also meet with her regarding parenting and childcare issues.

Program Eligibility Requirements

Transitions is not a perfect fit for everyone. It is a program designed for women who are ready and highly motivated to change their lives.

Here is a list of the eligibility requirements:

You are homeless.
You are a survivor of domestic violence.
You have been separated from your abuser for a minimum of 30 days.
You are eligible to receive Section 8 housing (no felony charges, etc.).
You are capable of obtaining electrical service through Alliant Energy in your own name.
You are not currently in a relationship, and you will commit to not becoming involved in a relationship for the 12 month period of time you in Transitions for Women program.
You understand that your home is for you and your children and that approved guests are welcome only during special approved circumstances.
You understand that economic empowerment is a journey that begins with a job. You are currently employed or are committed to being employed or furthering your education while you participate.
You pride yourself in the example you set for your children by having a home that is drug free, alcohol free, and violence free.

Sarah (not her real name) came to the Alternatives to Violence Shelter in December of 2016 after fleeing a violent relationship of ten years. Sarah and her five children were accepted into the Transitions program in March of 2017, moved into their 3 bedroom apartment, and lived in a transitional living apartment at Jeffris Flats for one year. Fortunately, Sarah broke the cycle of abuse and took actions necessary to write a new story for her family. During her time at Transitions for Women, Sarah secured employment and began school at a local college to receive her associates degree in Early Childhood Development. She is currently living independently and attending her last semester to complete her degree. She was recently awarded Student Worker of the Year, and her oldest son was in the audience to cheer her on.

For more information about Transitions and the Economic Empowerment Center, please contact Marissa at (608) 752-5445 ext. 246 or msimpson@ywcarockco.com.