Founded over twenty years ago as a hotline and a seven-room shelter, Genesis has evolved into a full-service resource for victims of family violence. “What we’ve done over the years is look at the different road blocks that battered women face when they try to flee and start over with an abuse-free life—and [then we] try to remove those roadblocks,” says Langbein. How do they do it? Through a three-tiered approach that provides services for any woman who may call for help:

  1. The shelter: It’s a safe house where battered women and their children can stay, for up to six weeks. The shelter provides residents with beds, meals and counseling, all free of charge.
  2. Transitional housing: Genesis created Annie’s House as a longer-term solution for battered women who still need help getting back on their feet. As Langbein says, “Six weeks in an emergency shelter won’t fix the problem.” Families can stay in Annie’s House for up to 18 months.
  3. Outreach center: According to Langbein, “Ninety-five percent of battered women would never call or don’t need a shelter.” But because they do need counseling and other services, Genesis provides an outreach center for that.