Research has shown that for children and teens, witnessing violence can be as traumatizing as being the direct victim. Domestic violence affects children’s ability to bond with their caregiver, identify and regulate their emotions, learn, and thrive. Trauma can manifest in many ways, and at Sojourner House, we recognize the importance of keeping children and teens safe and supported through recovery.
We accept parents with children in our Safe House and Transitional Housing apartments, and offer youth programs for enrichment, community building, and healing.
Camp Eureka
Camp Eureka is a free summer camp for children who are impacted by abuse, trauma, and domestic violence. Each August, Sojourner House welcome approximately 40 children to Camp Eureka for a week of outdoor adventures, cooperative games, arts and crafts, team building activities, and new friendships.
Families with children who have accessed Sojourner House resources- such as shelter, advocacy, and support groups- are eligible to participate in this free program. Past campers are welcomed back even if they are no longer receiving Sojourner House services.
Questions? Call 401-861-6191 and ask for Lisa Hoopis, or email edu@sojournerri.org
Why Summer Camp?
Due to the many social and economic barriers that domestic violence situations can create, Camp Eureka serves as the only accessible camp experience for most of the children who participate. If you’re in a position to give, please consider making a donation to support Camp Eureka and our other programs so that more children can experience summer camp for the first time. To make a donation to Camp Eureka, please call 401.861.6191 or click the button below.
School-Based Advocacy
The School-Based Advocacy Program provides a trained victim advocate for schools throughout Rhode Island when they identify a student who has experienced domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, human trafficking, has witnessed abuse at home, or is demonstrating red flags that are concerning. Advocacy services are available at schools, and may occur during or after school hours.
For more information, contact edu@sojournerri.org.
Teen Health
An average of one in four teens has experienced dating violence. Through partnerships with schools and local organizations, Sojourner House has been at the forefront in educating teens to recognize the warning signs of violence (like bullying) and helping them learn to peacefully manage and resolve difficult issues with peers.
Dating violence prevention and intervention services are offered in partnership with area schools and youth organizations. Along with healthy parental models, the most effective way to prevent dating violence is through early intervention and the education of young people. Education is particularly crucial in situations where a teen is exposed to victim/abuser models of relationships in their peer group or in their home. Sojourner House helps to collaboratively teach skills which are important for all young people to learn as they become more involved in various kinds of relationships within the community.
