Domestic Violence Prevention Program
The Ruth’s Cottage Domestic Violence Prevention Program began in 2002 with a 12-bed emergency shelter and is now a 25-bed facility, including capacity for housing large families, men and those with pets. This program employs nine full time and six part time advocates.
This program provides an array of confidential services for victims of domestic violence. Services include:
- 24/7 Hotline 229.388.1541
- Emergency Advocacy and Shelter
- Mental Health Services
- Individual and Support Group
- Assistance with Temporary Protective Orders, including Family Violence Orders and Stalking Orders
- Relocation Assistance
- Domestic Violence Education and Outreach
Sexual Assault Advocacy Program
The Ruth’s Cottage Sexual Assault Advocacy Program began in 2018 and partners with Tift Regional Health System, Phoebe-Worth Medical Center, and the Irwin County Hospital. This program employs two full time and five part time advocates.
This program provides an array of confidential services for victims of sexual assault. Services include:
- 24/7 Hotline 229.388.1541
- Emergency Room Response within 1-Hour of Call
- Personal Advocacy and Accompaniment
- Emergency Shelter and Relocation Assistance
- Mental Health Services
- Individual and Group Support
- Sexual Assault Education and Outreach
Latino Outreach Program
The Ruth’s Cottage Latino Outreach Program began in 2021 and is managed by Jim Mejia, a Bi-Lingual Legal Advocate. This program employs two Shelter Advocates, the Senior Legal Advocate, and the Family Advocate/Spanish Forensic Interviewer.
This program provides an array of confidential services for victims of the Spanish speaking community. Services include:
- 24/7 Hotline 229.388.1541
- Emergency Room Response within 1-Hour of Call
- Personal Advocacy and Accompaniment
- Emergency Shelter and Relocation Assistance
- Mental Health Services
- Individual and Group Support
- Latino Education and Outreach
Children’s Advocacy Center
The Patticake House began providing services in 2005 and has worked with over 2200 children and caregivers. This program puts children first and provides a welcoming and warm atmosphere for those served. Staff includes three full time professionals.
This program provides a variety of confidential services for suspected victims of child abuse including sexual abuse, physical abuse, witness to domestic violence to other violent crime and/or witness to abuse. Services include:
- 24/7 Response to Law Enforcement and Department of Family and Children’s Services
- Forensic Interview
- Forensic Medical Exam
- Non-Offending Caregiver Interview
- Assistance with Application for Victims Compensation Benefits
- Mental Health Services
- Individual and Group Support
- Child Abuse Prevention Education and Outreach
Other Services
- Educational Presentation Options
- Volunteer and Intern Opportunities
- Community Engagement Opportunities
- Animal Assisted Therapy
- Suitcases for Kids Community Service Project
- Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children Sexual Abuse Prevention Training (at no charge)
- Child Abuse Prevention Month Events and Activities
- Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events and Activities
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events and Activities
- Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month Events and Activities
- Stalking and Human Trafficking Month Events and Activities