New Directions

New Directions Program (10 Weeks)

Our New Directions program is a FREE group educational program for parents and their children (ages 5-17) who have experienced and/or witnessed domestic abuse. We have changed the model to better accommodate the current needs of families, offering 2 sessions of 10 weeks each, with one session for women-identifying persons (moms) and their children, and the second session allowing for all genders of parents and their children. Weekly group sessions are 2 hours in length with a communal meal, group/parenting support, and education.

There are 2 intakes done each year:

• The first set of intakes are conducted in August/early Sept for the Fall 10-week session (which ends in Dec)
• The second set is conducted in December/Jan for the Winter 10-week session (which ends in May)
• 4-week parents-only group in June of each year

We accept self-referrals (those parents calling on their own behalf) as well as referrals from other organizations and medical professionals. Please contact us for more information or to schedule a program intake.

Please note: Not everyone may be ready for this group program, and our intake process is designed to help us determine program readiness. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide childcare for children too young to participate in the program, and participants must be able to demonstrate that they have reliable transportation to attend the program on a weekly basis. When you call or email us, we will put you on a waitlist to be scheduled for an intake. Preference is given for those families who have never participated in the program before, but prior participants may be considered if they have children who were not eligible when their families attended previously, but are old enough to attend now, or based on availability.

What to Expect

Each week starts with a communal meal (provided free of charge) with all families participating in the program. It is a chance for our families to connect and support the healing process. All participants are expected to attend the communal meal.

Please note: We do ask for dietary concerns and food allergies at time of intake.

After the communal meal, parents are led to a separate room for group support and education, with each week focusing on a different theme to address the impacts of abuse for families. Focus is on developing coping strategies; parenting children who have been impacted by abuse; and working towards healing.

Meanwhile, children and youth are separated into age groups for support and education, with each week focusing on a different theme to work towards building healthy relationships within their families. Focus is on supporting children with strategies for coping, setting boundaries, and developing healthy communication skills.

From time to time within the program, parents and their children will be brought together for coordinated activities based on the work being done in the group.

New Directions Parent Group (4 Weeks)

This is a FREE adult-only group (any gender) offered for those parenting children and youth (ages 5-17) who have experienced or witnessed family violence. Here you will have an opportunity to connect with others who may have been through similar traumatic experiences while learning to build parenting skills and strategies through focus on such themes as trauma, resiliency, and self-regulation; strengthening relationships; safety and boundaries; and stress and self-care.

Please note that these are small, all-gender in-person groups facilitated by SAiF clinical staff, and that intakes are required.