Retreat Inc

The Long Island Fatherhood Initiative (LIFI) is a program designed to address the needs of community fathers 18 years and older (most low-income, many with a history of involvement in the criminal justice system) on Long Island, NY. LIFI proactively engages these fathers in a cohort-based fatherhood and healthy relationship education workshops, case management, and economic stability interventions, including a series of catalytic skill-building group and individual activities-each designed to leverage these fathers' respective strengths.LIFI program provide services that include: (1) identification of and outreach to community fathers; (2) comprehensive intake and assessment; (3) case management services; (4) skill building in fathering/parenting; (5) skill building in healthy marriages/relationships; (6) job-readiness coaching and economic stability services; (7) linkages to critical services, such as housing, mental health and substance use treatment; (8) domestic violence prevention education; and (9) participation supports (e.g., transportation, employment-related clothes/tools).

An emergency shelter, staffed around the clock for access at all times, that provides safe housing, food, clothing, and case management for up to 18 victims of domestic violence and their children. The shelter residents have access to counseling, advocacy, life skill classes, financial empowerment training, computers and other supportive services during their stay.Security cameras monitor the gated shelter. We have bi-lingual staff and the shelter is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

The retreat operates a multifaceted education program serving the community via workshops and presentations on topics such as bullying, cyber-safety, healthy relationships, teen dating and domestic violence as well as sexual violence prevention. The retreat provides in-school and community violence prevention educational programs and services for schools, community groups and workplaces on abuse related topics, including domestic violence, dating violence, healthy relationships, harrassment and bullying. A critical goal of these programs is to effectively help children and teenagers build self-esteem while enabling them to identify and understand how to deal with problem situations on the playground, in their own home, or in dating relationships. Through these programs, children learn at an early age that violence is unacceptable.the retreat facilitates the teen leadership council as a way to bring students from local high schools together and develop their own ways to spread the word on the prevention of domestic violence. The mission of the project is to prevent abuse and promote respect in all relationships. This project also helps to support the retreat and expand our focus to include the prevention not just of domestic violence, but also of all forms of relationship abuse, including bullying , harassment, sexual assault, and teen dating violence. The project is an opportunity for teens from east end schools to work together while learning about violence prevention and promoting awareness and safety in the community.the retreats take charge program provides career guidance and financial education and empowerment to survivors of domestic abuse. Through a series of guided group workshops and individual sessions, clients receive training in personal finance, guidance in professional development, and ultimately a lift in their own personal perspective. Our clients also receive information from skilled volunteers and bank representatives to learn more about their financial options as they move towards independence.our rape prevention education grant, a collaborative effort funded through health research inc. Between the retreat, the safe center li and li against domestic violence focuses on the prevention of sexual assault of youth and young adults. We have developed the li safer bars program, educating staff at alcohol serving establishments with a rich nightlife to not only recognize signs of potential abuse, but to equip staff with the skills and resources necessary to intervene effectively before the abuse occurs. Through our shape program, we have established a local library as a point of resources for the surrounding community and library staff have been trained in educational programs they can provide to community members and through local schools districts.the enough is enough program is a collaborative effort funded through the nys department of health. Through this initiative, retreat staff have collaborated with farmingdale state college to provide education and resources for both staff and students around sexual violence prevention, and to ensure understanding of the rights of any victim. Programs provided through this program are geared for college-age students and college staff.

The retreats legal advocacy program has trained legal advocates accompany victims to court and assist in the important processes of obtaining orders of protection, child custody orders, legal separation/divorce, spousal and child support, immigration matters, benefits compensation, housing and unemployment compensation. Services are provided at the shelter, in east hampton and the riverhead office which is conveniently located near the family court complex. Advocacy services are available in both english and spanish.attorney services in 2018, the retreat received funding for an on-staff attorney. This position is available to clients in need of court representation or information on complicated court matters. Our attorney can also assist legal advocates in determining the best course of action for clients in need of protections and restitution. Services are primarily provided at our riverhead office, but are made available to our shelter clients and in our east hampton office.

The Retreat operates a thrift store which is located in Bridgehampton. The store is known as The Retreat Boutique. The thrift shop revenues support the organization's annual operating budget. Donations accepted include gently used clothing, scarves, handbags, shoes, jewelry, furniture and household items to sell to the community. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to participate in our thrift store programs. Retreat clients are encouraged to visit the store to access and acquire, at no cost, interview clothing, furniture, and household items they need to start a new life that is free from violence.

The Retreats Housing programs provide focused supportive services that foster independent and violence free living. Services include case management, counseling and advocacy services, self-sufficiency/life-skills/job readiness training & mentoring; and temporary, situational child care. Additionally, the Retreat operates a Transitional Housing Program which PROVIDES ASSISTANCE FOR CLIENTS WITH ACCESSING AND MAINTAINING SAFE HOUSING AND SUPPORT SERVICES. THE PROGRAM ASSISTS WITH ECONOMIC AND HOUSING GOALS, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, REFERRALS FOR RESOURCES (SUCH AS FURNISHINGS,) AND ECONOMIC STABILITY THROUGH EDUCATION. THIS FUNDING IS THROUGH U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, OFFICE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMAN.PLEASE NOTE ALL RETREAT PROGRAM EXPENSES ARE EXCLUSIVE OF PRO-RATA SHARE OF ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.

The Retreats comprehensive 24-hour hotline and online chat provides crisis intervention and instant linkages to local and statewide resources. The hotline provides education and referrals to callers and also screens callers for eligibility to our counseling, advocacy and shelter programs. Hotline staff are trained in crisis management and follow procedures to contact the police if necessary. Our hotline receives police reports from precincts on the East End that were logged as domestic abuse. Retreat staff reviews and will work to discreetly reach out to individuals to offer assistance.