The Next Step Domestic Violence Project

Mission: The Next Step Domestic Violence Project is a private, nonprofit organization devoted to serving the needs of people affected by domestic violence, while striving to prevent and to end the cycle of domestic violence through education and social change. The Next Step which currently serves both Washington and Hancock counties began as an outreach office of Spruce Run, which is one of the oldest domestic violence projects in the country. By 1993, it was apparent that local needs were better served by having an independent, local agency and so The Next Step was born. From a one-woman staff with volunteer assistance, The Next Step has steadily grown to meet the ever-increasing demand for our services. In the last three years alone, the numbers of people served directly have grown from 440 to 570 to well over 700. Our staff has not been able to grow apace due to funding limitations, so volunteers are our life blood.

Our value statement truly states our reason for existence: "we believe that every individual has a right to live in safety and without fear of abuse. We offer hope, love and respect to ourselves, our clients, and our community in order to foster empowerment, personal dignity, equality and freedom. Through these values, we strive to change the world. We serve every man, woman, and child whose life is affected by domestic abuse. Our services are completely confidential and free of charge. We offer: a toll-free 24 hour a day hot line, emergency shelter, walk-in counseling, legal assistance, support groups, and community education and community networking. We work together with our community, the state, and the country to ensure abuser accountability and victim safety, and to create a world where domestic violence is no longer tolerated.