Erin Dalton: DV services and community partnerships
Dalton outlines domestic violence shelter services for LGBTQIA survivors, including a contract with the LGBT Center for non-residential counseling, case management, and advocacy without requiring shelter entry.
So LGBTQIA and TGNC survivors have full access to residential services when DV shelter is the safest option.
In addition, we fund non-residential supportive services in the community, including services specifically dedicated to LGBTQIA survivors through a contract with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Center, known as the Center.
Through this partnership, clients can access culturally competent counseling, safety planning, case management, advocacy, support groups, and referrals without needing to enter shelter, ensuring there are
affirming options for both inside and outside the residential system.
The agency regularly checks in with advocates and clients on ways to improve our service model and to ensure that there are mechanisms and systems in place for LGBTQIA plus individuals to share their feedback on agency policy, services, and programs.
To that end, both clients and advocates serve on advisory boards.
For example, the LGBTQIA plus work group, HASA community advisory board, and the shelter accessibility advisory board.
We also receive feedback and complaints directly from clients through 311, the Office of the Ombudsman, the DSS Office of Equal Employment Opportunities, or the Office of
LGBTQIA plus affairs within DSS or any other avenues in which we receive feedback.
Our goal is to ensure this population has ample options to offer that feedback.