CASPER, Wyo. — The Self Help Center of Casper, a resource for individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and substance abuse, is announcing the expansion of its services to better serve the Casper community. Jen Dyer, the executive director of the Self Help Center, shared the new developments during a recent interview.
The journey toward enhancing its services began in 2019 with a capital campaign, but the project faced an unexpected pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in March 2022, the center successfully secured the necessary funds. The center broke ground on the project in May 2022.
“We are very excited to expand our services to the Casper community,” Dyer said. “Our goal is to offer help and hope to all those in need, and we want the community to know that we are here for them.”
The new initiative includes a new four-unit complex with three dedicated family units, capable of housing up to seven individuals each. The fourth unit is designed for single individuals and is ADA accessible.
Construction was completed this month with a ribbon-cutting held Wednesday, July 26. This expansion comes as a much-needed relief, as the Self Help Center previously operated with only 13 beds, often reaching full capacity, Dyer said.
The strategic location of the new complex, known as the Tate House, on the center’s campus will help break down transportation barriers, allowing easy access to all the center’s comprehensive services.
The Self Help Center provides advocacy and support services, including relocation assistance, protection orders, housing support and employment aid. It is the only Domestic Violence agency that employs three mental health counselors, emphasizing the importance of holistic care, Dyer said.
The center also offers substance use treatment, youth and adult education and prevention programs. Its summer service learning program involves week-long camping trips every other week, allowing children to learn essential life skills while enjoying healthy environments.
The Self Help Center Safe House has always played a crucial role for the center, providing 24-hour emergency shelter to both single women and women with children who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault, according to the center’s website. During the construction, the center had to rent a safe house and utilize hotel rooms to keep services going.
Residents are offered a 30-day stay to ensure services are available to as many people as possible who are in unsafe living situations. Depending on individual circumstances and safety concerns, some residents may extend their stay.
During their stay, residents meet with the Safe House manager, who provides case management and referrals for legal and court-related options, access to community agencies and services, transportation, food, clothing, cellphones and therapeutic services with licensed counselors. The goal is to provide a caring and healing home where individuals and families can receive support and work toward gaining independence and security, according to the center’s website.
The Tate House is named after the Tate Foundation, which played a pivotal role in bridging the funding gap for the new building, which cost over $500,000.
“We are really grateful to our community and all those who made this project possible,” Dyer said.
For more information about the Self Help Center and the services it provides, individuals can visit its website at shccasper.com.