For more than 30 years the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois has been dedicated to providing comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and their children. The Center provides free, confidential services to St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph Counties in southwestern Illinois. These services include:
Emergency Shelter
The Charles T. and Joan Meyer Shelter provides women and their dependent children, who are fleeing domestic violence, temporary shelter. During their shelter stay, residents receive support to empower themselves to live lives free of violence. Services include:
Individual Counseling
Specially trained staff and volunteers provide women and children with support and information. Counselors provide time for each client to discuss individual issues and concerns during their stay at the shelter.
Support Groups
Groups are an important process at the shelter, where women and their children can share common experiences, fears and hopes. This enables participants to understand that they are not alone and that they can change their lives for the better.
Art Therapy
This program is a therapeutic art expression process that provides clients with a medium for enhancing communication skills and an opportunity to express their feelings. This program provides participants with a non-verbal way to express their feelings and experiences, and can open the door to their healing.
Court Advocacy
Advocates are available to assist women residing at the shelter with obtaining Orders of Protection and other rights available to them under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act.
Medical Services
A registered nurse provides medical assessments for every shelter resident.
Recreation
An indoor playroom and outside playground are available to shelter residents as part of their recreation/leisure time activity. Field trips to recreational areas and places of interest are also offered.
The Peace Place Children's Services
Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois teaches children that violence is not acceptable. We believe that violence is a learned behavior and through our programs, children can be taught non-violent ways to resolve conflicts. Child victims of domestic violence do not have to carry the violence into their future relationships. This generation can stop the violence if they are taught how.
The Peace Place offers non-residential counseling services to children ages 5-17 who have a parent participating in counseling at the Violence Prevention Center. The program uses creative art techniques such as play therapy, art therapy, and garden therapy to assist children in learning how to break the cycle of domestic violence.
Counseling and Advocacy Services
Counseling and advocacy services are available for victims of domestic violence including both women and men. Counseling and advocacy services are provided in each of our four offices and at other locations as necessary. Services include:
Individual Counseling
Specially trained staff will give clients support and information, help clients assess the safety of their children, and assist them with identifying alternatives.
Support Groups
Various groups offer the support to those who have experienced abuse.
Court Advocacy
Advocates are available to assist victims to obtain Orders of Protection under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act.
Police Advocacy
Advocates are stationed in numerous police stations to assist victims of domestic violence after a domestic violence incident. Participating police departments include Belleville, Cahokia, Centerville, East St. Louis, Fairview Heights, O'Fallon, St. Clair County Sheriff's Department, and Swansea.
Potential clients are asked to call the hotline to make an intake appointment.
Prevention Services
At the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois, we hope to see the day that our services are no longer needed because domestic violence has been eradicated. Education is the most powerful tool we have to accomplish this goal. The Prevention Program provides outreach and educational services throughout our three county service area. Prevention education and training programs are available for children, teens and adults. Programs provided free of charge and designed to meet the needs of a variety of audiences including professionals, schools, community groups, churches, and victims and their families.
Shelter Shop
The Shelter Shop is a resale shop that sells donated, pre-owned clothing, furniture, and household items in good condition. The Shelter Shop is primarily operated by volunteers and the proceeds from the shop help to support the programs and services of VPC. In addition, clients who are in need of emergency clothing and/or other items are given vouchers to shop for items free of charge.
The Shelter Shop is always in need of volunteers and items for re-sale. Donations including clothing in good condition and in season, household items, books and small furniture are accepted.
Location
#2C Bellevue Park Plaza at the intersection of North Belt West and West Main Street in Belleville.
Map
Store Hours
Monday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Donations will be accepted at the Shelter Shop. Donation hours at the Shelter Shop are:
Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Anyone wishing to donate their time or used items in good condition are asked to call the Shelter Shop at (618) 234-4704.