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Erin Carter, domestic violence and sexual assault victim’s advocate with Infinite Possibilities, Inc., and Cassandra Hart, program integrity/child care supervisor with the Vance County Department of Social Services, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.
Infinite Possibilities, Inc.
In a continuation of WIZS’ coverage of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Carter spoke on Infinite Possibilities’ mission of “providing comprehensive, confidential support regardless of age, race, disability, gender, identity, sexual and/or religious orientation, immigration status or national origin” to those in abusive situations.
The community-based non-profit organization provides support with intimate partner violence, crisis intervention, danger assessments, safety planning, and assistance in finding shelter. Trained advocates are available 24/7.
Carter said services are still being provided during the COVID-19 pandemic in as safe a manner as possible. “Although it is a pandemic and we are at home, or we are staying safe, this information is vital. It’s not just vital in the month of October, it’s vital all the time because this is a continuous problem that we have to address.”
To help spread the message and keep people connected during the pandemic, Infinite Possibilities will host a Domestic Violence 101 & Healthy Relationships online Zoom session on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, from 2 until 3 p.m. To gain access to the session, please email Carter at ehill@infinitepossibilitiesinc.com.
For additional information on the session and to stay up-to-date on Infinite Possibilities, please visit the organization’s Facebook page (click here).
In Henderson, the Infinite Possibilities office is located at 314 S. Garnett St. Assistance is also available by phone at (252) 431-1926 during regular office hours: Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
A 24/7 hotline, with services available in English and Spanish, is available by calling (252) 425-2492.
Vance County Department of Social Services (VCDSS)
Addressing the financial assistance side of domestic violence situations, Hart explained the services that the VCDSS, in partnership with Infinite Possibilities and Safe Space, Inc., can provide to victims.
Hart said the following are available to a client and their children if agreed that the assistance will promote safety and economic stability and falls under Work First/TANF guidelines.
Transportation: reasonable, actual transportation costs can include, but are not limited to, bus passes, cabs, auto repairs, auto payments and car insurance as approved by the local department of social services and the domestic violence agency as allowed. The client should express an inability to pay but does not have to be facing repossession of a vehicle. If the client has another operative vehicle, assistance may not be approved.
Housing: housing assistance includes rent, utilities (including past bills), deposits, moving truck rental, storage fees, and other relocation costs. Reasonable, actual cost for these services approved by VCDSS and the domestic violence agency as allowed.
Attorney Fees: the fees can be used for any civil action that will enable a victim to be safe and/or economically independent.
Childcare, summer camp, etc.
Temporary/emergency lodging (such as a hotel)
For additional coverage on domestic violence awareness, please join WIZS live at 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com at 11 a.m. to hear discussions with the following scheduled guests:
Monday, October 19 – Families Living Violence Free
Thursday, October 22 – Debbie Scott with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.