Sharon Manor Transitional Housing
General Information
Sharon Manor is not an emergency shelter for victims in crisis escaping violence. If you need immediate assistance in the northern Arizona area, please contact Northland Family Help Center. Their 24-hour crisis line is (928) 527-1900 or toll free at (877) 634-2723. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Sharon Manor is a Transitional Home for women and children who are survivors of domestic violence, are homeless, motivated and desire to work toward self-reliance, stability and a brighter future.
Residents have an opportunity to reside at Sharon Manor from one to two years while working toward self-reliance. Sharon Manor has the capacity to assist up to 24 women and 45 children. In the past 6 years, since the facility opened in 1999, more than 250 women and children have found safety, support and hope at Sharon Manor. Sharon Manor is NOT equipped or intended to function as a crisis facility or shelter. It provides the "next step" transitional housing for women and their children coming out of shelters or stabilizing after crisis involving domestic violence. Prospective clients must be referred by a local shelter or social service agency.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be homeless
- Be eligible for Section 8 Housing Assistance and have sufficient income to pay minimal rent
- Be a survivor of domestic violence
- Be capable, motivated and willing to develop and work on an Individual Transitional Plan for self-reliance, attending training, support groups, and house meetings for stability and self-development; develop job skills to increase income
- Be a legal citizen of the United States of America
- Be referred by a shelter, social service or government agency
The Facility:
- Sharon Manor consists of an 8-unit communal living facility and a 16-unit apartment complex.
- The communal living facility is for single women or women with one small child. It was constructed in 1999.
- The apartments were built to accommodate women with older or multiple children. There are 8 two-bedroom apartments and 8 three-bedroom apartments. It was constructed in 2001.
- There is also a community building where women and children meet for group trainings and community meetings.
- Sharon Manor is located in the Sunnyside Neighborhood of Flagstaff and is convenient to grocery stores, schools, community services, public transportation, etc.
Program Overview:
- With staff support each individual will develop an "Individual Transitional Plan" which acts as a road map in working towards identified goals in the client's movement toward self-reliance.
- Participants receive case management services, attend evening workshops, classes and group meetings.
- Women in the program must spend at least 20 hours a week either continuing their education or working.
- Attend workshops on:
- Financial Planning/Housing: Budgeting, checking and savings, money management, establishing credit, homebuyers' programs, financing and how to identify and obtain permanent housing.
- Education: Workshops on special topics, assistance for returning students in obtaining grants/loans, books, developing study skills, basic computer skills, and obtaining a GED if needed.
- Employment: Vocational and career assessments of skills and interests with sensitivity of the needs of individuals with disabilities, application preparation, resume development, job search skills, interviewing, self-image, time-management skills, job-shadowing, work ethics, written and oral communication.
- Social and Personal Development: Counseling, health, parenting, substance abuse, co-dependency, self-esteem, anger and stress management, assertiveness training, communication skills, conflict resolution and problem solving skills, self-defense, journaling, recreating, civic responsibilities, building support systems and healing trauma.
Children's Program
Children victims of domestic violence need support and help in order to heal from the abuse they have experience. Currently, more than 25 children call Sharon Manor home; of these children, all but one has been exposed to, and/or experienced violence themselves. The violence these children faced includes physical, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse. Without special attention these children will not heal from the violence, abuse, neglect and homelessness they have experienced.
That's why the Children's Program at Sharon Manor is so vital. Children at Sharon Manor meet three nights a week while their moms are in workshops, trainings and groups. Preschool and elementary school age children in the program explore creative outlets including art, drama, discussion and recreation. The program provides children with a safe place to express their feelings. It also teaches children about healthy communication, personal boundaries, relationships and anger management. Children also interact with positive adult role models who volunteer to help with the program.
Volunteers are needed to help with our Children's Program and special events. Volunteers must pass a fingerprint check and supply references. They also must be dependable and able to help in the evenings. Experience with children is a plus.
For more information on volunteer opportunities associated with our Children's Program, please contact us at childrens.program@bothands.org.
Results of Violence:
Research on childhood victimization shows that domestic violence is the single biggest risk factor for child abuse (Chamblis, 1997) and that child survivors of domestic violence are
- 50% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile;
- 30% more likely to be arrested for committing a violent crime as an adult;
- More likely to regress developmentally;
- Lack a healthy parent-child bond, as well as experience difficulties with other attachment relationships;
- More likely to become violent themselves.
How You Can Help
Helping women and children at Sharon Manor is easier than you may think.
You can make a donation to help with ongoing expenses at Sharon Manor, including case management, resource identification, our Children's Program and special events.
You can volunteer your time and expertise. Volunteers are needed to help with our Children's Program - you can find out more information by emailing our Children's Program Coordinator at childrens.program@bothands.org. Volunteers are also needed for special events, clean-up projects, and to help provide expertise and guidance to the women. For example, tax experts donate their time to help women prepare tax returns. For information on volunteering for a special event or to provide expert guidance to women, please contact our Sharon Manor Program Manager, Julie Montoya at jmontoya@bothands.org.
