The Women & Family Life Center (WFLC), the shoreline organization dedicated to empowering those in crisis, is bringing back a program that supports members of the community who are in unsafe domestic situations that limit their ability to function and thrive. According to WFLC Director Jennifer Wenderoth-Holster, the Safe Search program allows individuals who do not feel safe in their current environment to communicate freely and without the anxiety and fear of being tracked or monitored.

Wenderoth-Holster said Safe Search is a critical program for those who live in fear and can’t safely undertake the simple tasks necessary to escape a domestic crisis.

The program provides space for any individual to undertake the simple actions that those in unsafe environments find difficult or even dangerous, such as the ability to call counselors or lawyers and research and draft employment documents. The program also allows secure access to computers and other technology unavailable to many clients that can be utilized without the stress of being tracked, bullied, or manipulated.

“Safe Search is a program that allows participants and walk-ins needing a safe place to use a phone or access the internet. Individuals can access a computer, the internet, phone, printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine. Safe Search is a time and place where individuals can call counselors, and lawyers, research jobs, and revise and print a resume,” said Wenderoth-Holster.

According to Wenderoth-Holster, the program was yet another casualty of the pandemic, suspended during the crisis. Wenderoth-Holster said the need for the program’s reimplementation was obvious as many communities across the shoreline continue to struggle with post-COVID impacts.

“Safe Search is a program that started in 2015 and stopped in 2020 due to the pandemic. Back in April of 2022, we felt that it was an important service that the Women & Family Life Center had previously offered, and it needed to return to the community. During the first year of the pandemic, there was a 34% increase in divorces and an 8% increase in domestic violence. While WFLC provides service to any individual during the pandemic, 1 in 4 women felt more unsafe at home than previously. What we heard from those we serve made it a clear choice that Safe Search needed to start happening again,” Wenderoth-Holster said. “Safe Search is an essential program because it allows an individual a safe place to handle tasks that, in some cases, can put them at more harm if they were to do them at home. It allows individuals access to a wide range of recently updated resources, and they can also seek additional services from the Referral Navigators while they are here.”

In addition, locked storage units on site can be used for discreetly securing documents.

“We also offer a secure location to keep documents for future use if the participant cannot keep the documents safely at their home,” added Wenderoth-Holster.

According to the director, many shoreline residents are confused about why an organization like WFLC is needed in a seemingly tolerant and generally wealthy area. Wenderoth-Holster said that the organization’s services are needed now more than ever, citing recent data that indicate the problem of domestic violence and familial disruption are issues that spread across all income levels and social constructs.

“Sadly, that is something we do hear, but it is far from the truth. During our last fiscal year, we provided over 5,000 services to more than 500 people, and those numbers look the same as we get closer to the end of this fiscal year. Just because someone utilizes WFLC does not mean they are not financially secure. We provide services to anyone within our territory that is looking for help. And if it is something we cannot directly provide, we will do the leg work to provide a referral. Just because you live in a particular town, city, or area does not exclude you from dealing with difficult situations. No one is immune from going through a hard time. The best way to share how critical the services WFLC provides to those we serve is to share a quote from one of our participants, ‘At a moment when I was overwhelmed by seemingly never-ending issues and difficulties, acknowledgment of support made a difference in my life. The light at the end of the tunnel was nowhere to be found until the day I discovered the wonderful Women & Family Life Center. You gave me hope when I thought hope was gone.’”

Anyone seeking help or more info can simply stop by the center, no appointment is necessary, or they can contact the organization via phone or email.

“WFLC is a unique program like no other due to the services and help we offer, and not just to the shoreline but to Connecticut. We are mostly funded by the generosity of those in the community, and if someone is interested in supporting WFLC and helping us keep our doors open to our neighbors in need, they can make a donation to the center,” said Wenderoth-Holster.

Safe Search will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the WFLC, 96 Fair Street, Guilford. There is no fee or appointment necessary. For more information, call 203-458-669, email info@womenandfamilylife.org, or visit womenandfamilylife.org/donate.