Family Support Services adjusts services due to COVID-19

Friday, March 20, 2020

While expressing its ongoing commitment to serving victims and families in the region, Family Support Services of West Central Indiana on Friday announced some changes to how it provides service during the coronavirus pandemic.

In an effort to protect the staff and volunteers and to maintain the recommendations of the CDC, FSSWCI has developed and implemented new service standards during this time of social distancing.

Effective immediately all group meetings, support groups, events and parent/family activities will be canceled until further notice.

Anyone in need of domestic violence/sexual assault services, Healthy Families, recovery services or with general questions may contact the administrative office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 653-4820 or email info@pcfss.net.

Any victims of domestic violence or sexual assault or needing related services may call 655-1295, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and an advocate will be available.

All Direct Services will continue as follows:

Healthy Families: Effective immediately, Family Support Specialists will not be performing in home visits. However, the Healthy Families team will be working with families via telephone, video calls, FaceTime and other tools.

The Healthy Families teams in Putnam, Owen, Boone and Montgomery counties are working with families to identify needs and provide support to them during this time. A crisis like this only increases the stress in homes which could lead to child abuse and neglect. Healthy Families is here to provide the support needed.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Healthy Families Program is encouraged to contact Sherri Nield, Program Director at sherri@pcfss.net.

Domestic violence/sexual assault victim services: The team will continue to serve 24 hours a day, seven days a week during this health crisis. The advocate team has established protocols that are posted at each of our offices in Putnam, Clay and Parke counties for any walk-in clients and local law enforcement and dispatch workers have been informed.

The DV/SA team strongly encourages anyone who is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault to contact FSSWCI immediately at 655-1295 to speak with an Advocate (24/7). Additional questions can be referred to Elizabeth Butts, Program Director at elizabeth.butts@pcfss.net.

Putnam County Recovery Coalition: The volunteers for the Putnam County Recovery Coalition are limited due to the cancellation of classes and support groups, but they know that addiction is a tough battle every day, possibly made even more difficult with the stress and isolation during this outbreak.

Anyone with needs should email Shelia Holloway at pcrc@pcfss.net.

Finally, in this stressful time, FSSWCI understands that many in our community are facing challenges and struggling in many ways. As part of an amazing network of service providers in our region they are here to help. Anyone needing help with nowhere to turn, is encouraged to call 653-4820 or email info@pcfss.net.

Family Support Services of West Central Indiana is headquartered in Greencastle at 16 S. Jackson St. FSSWCI is a 501(c)3 non-profit domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and intervention organization and Healthy Families program provider focused on eliminating child abuse and neglect while building strong families and supporting individuals battling addiction. For more information about programs or services call 653-4820 or visit www.fsswci.net.

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