Our Services

The NEWS Safe House is a safe, confidential house located in a residential neighborhood.  It is a real home with a beautiful kitchen, private bedrooms and bathrooms, indoor and outdoor play areas for children, and a cozy family room where clients can relax or hold family meetings.  NEWS staff is there around the clock to work with clients on individualized plans to find resources for a future free of violence.

24-hour Crisis Line confidential support is provided by a trained domestic violence counselor in either English or Spanish at 707-255-NEWS (6397).  Anyone is welcome to call us to talk about any experiences or concerns regarding abusive relationships.

Counseling Services are provided by an intern therapist under supervision of a licensed therapist, and are available in English and Spanish for uninsured victims of domestic violence through the “Bridges” Program (in collaboration with Family Services of the Napa Valley).  Clients are referred by NEWS staff for short-term, one-on-one, professional counseling.

“Seeking Safety”  group counseling for women is available at no cost at several confidential locations throughout the community in both English and Spanish.  These sessions are strengths-based and focused on creating healthy coping skills.

The NEWS Children’s Club program is specifically designed for children exposed to domestic violence, because kids who experience unhealthy relationships at home are often affected emotionally.  This group runs in tandem with the women’s “Seeking Safety” meetings.  It is an 8 to 10 week curriculum to help with trauma, stress, anger, and self-esteem issues.  The group is a safe place for kids to learn they are not alone, and where they can learn coping skills and get individual support.

The Court Advocacy Program provides help with the process of filing for protective orders and advocacy to victims of domestic violence.  The Court Advocate will work together with clients to find resources pertaining to child custody, visitation, and other civil issues related to abuse.

The Domestic Violence Response Team Program utilizes a team of trained domestic violence counselor volunteers to respond immediately to victims of domestic violence at the request of law enforcement.  They either go directly to the scene of an incident or to a designated safe location.  The counselors provide emotional support, information, safety planning, and resources.  They work with each client to develop a plan for follow-up services.

“Safe Solutions” is a program funded by Napa County, to provide one-on-one case management services.  This program is designed for clients with co-occurring substance abuse, mental health, and/or domestic violence issues.  Very often, women trapped in violent relationships come from traumatic childhoods.  They have often witnessed abuse or been victims of abuse themselves.  In an effort to cope, some women have turned to unsafe behaviors such as self-medication or self-injurious behavior.  This program focuses on safe behavior, and creating, in partnership with clients, tools to cope in healthy ways by using the clients own strengths and abilities.

The Transitional Housing Program assists clients in finding safe, affordable housing.  Continued supportive services are also a part of this program.  These services can last for up to two years.  Many NEWS clients who find shelter in the Safe House, transition into apartments of their own.

The NEWS Volunteer Program provides two 40-hour training sessions per year, free of cost, for those interested in becoming Domestic Violence Counselors.  Volunteer opportunities include becoming a member of the Domestic Violence Response Team, helping provide court advocacy services, and working at the safe house on the 24-hour crisis line.

There are many other ways volunteers can help NEWS:  assisting at special events, fundraising, supporting outreach and education programs, connecting NEWS to service organizations, or serving on our board of directors.  Please contact us for more information at 707-252-3687.

Outreach and Education is an important part of ending domestic violence in our community.  NEWS provides domestic violence prevention and education programs to schools, underserved populations, employers, social service organizations, and the general public in an effort to help the community identify and understand the dynamics of domestic violence, and where to get help if they need it.

Napa Emergency Women’s Services (NEWS) does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment.

Client Non-Discrimination Clause: All individuals will receive services without discrimination of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, age, pregnancy, marital status, or national origin. To receive services in an environment which is safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, protected by confidentiality and to have access to written information about oneself. To receive information about mental health services and other social services. This organization will comply with all applicable federal and state laws designed to assure non-discrimination for these services.

For further information about this policy, contact: Shea Hunter, 707-252-3687, TDD/State Relay: English: 866-660-4288 | Spanish: 866-288-1311.

The 3 Rs of NEWS: Refuge, Recovery, Renewal