The Children’s Advocacy Program provides a safe, welcoming, culturally competent, and nurturing space where child witnesses and survivors of domestic violence can heal from trauma. Our goal is to help these children explore their feelings in an open and positive environment, while their mothers address housing, employment and other needs to rebuild their lives.

What Goes on in the Children’s Advocacy Program?

Children having fun in the Children’s Advocacy Program at Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

The Children’s Advocacy Program has a wide range of activities designed to promote physical, emotional, interpersonal, and social wellness for each child. Experiencing domestic violence can have serious negative effects on a child’s mental state, attitude towards life, and even performance in school. It is our mission to give these children the care and support they need to cope with this trauma and heal in a natural, positive manner.

Women’s Center and Shelter is committed to providing a wide array of nurturing activities and services to help children witnesses of domestic abuse from birth all the way through age 18, including:

Emotional Support

• Daily check-ins about their feelings with a dedicated Child Advocate
• Provision of age appropriate information to children about domestic violence
• Referral to counseling resources for children
• Workshops that include writing and musical therapy

Academic Support

• On-site before and after school programming
• Tutoring
• Reading programs
• Access to our Computer Learning Center
• Library of books
• Disbursement of school supplies

Interpersonal and Social Support

• Field trips
• Summer Camp
• Annual Children’s Festival
• Ongoing scheduled events with partner organizations such as Lab Rats, Carnegie Museum, Dreaming Pillow Project, and Beverly’s Birthdays
• Children’s parties hosted by volunteers featuring games, arts and crafts, treats, and activities
• Activities that recognize and celebrate cultural diversity, such as African drumming, international holiday celebrations, and cross-cultural cooking lessons

Advocacy and Referrals

• Connection to medications, clothing, and prescription eyeglasses through our community partners
• School advocacy and facilitation of school enrollment and transportation
• On-site access to a pediatrician and dentist for children residents of our Emergency Shelter

All services are free and completely confidential.

Call our 24-Hour Hotline at 412-687-8005 for help or more information.