CANTON – Renewal House, St. Lawrence County’s domestic violence and sexual assault agency, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Since 1983, Renewal House has provided free and confidential services 24/7 throughout the county.

Vicitms can call the Crisis Line phone number at 315-379-9845 / 24 hours a day.

Renewal House strives to respond immediately to the needs of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through services that empower victims and increase community awareness.

A total of 1,047 individuals were provided services last year! Services include:

• Crisis Intervention — Staff, volunteers and interns respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services are free and confidential.

• Individual and Group Counseling — Short-term individual counseling in a non-judgmental atmosphere that acknowledges a person’s ability and right to make choices, and a facilitated self-help domestic violence support group.

• Personal and Legal Advocacy

Advocates assist victims in obtaining orders of protection, pressing charges, and working with the police and Department of Social Services and Office of Victim Services.

• Campus Advocacy — Advocates are available to accompany a victim to the hospital, police station, lawyer, court proceeding and more.

• Safe Housing — A safe and confidential place for emergency, temporary shelter for domestic violence victims.

• Information/Referral — Help in finding appropriate and accessible services.

• Community Education — Presentations available for any public or private group, school, business, or agency.

• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program— Specially trained medical professionals providing compassionate, knowledgeable assistance to a victim of a sexual assault.

• Human Trafficking Services — Renewal House is a not-for-profit organization funded by grants, individuals and businesses across our county.

The office is at 3 Chapel St., Canton and office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

An advocate is always available after-hours, weekends and holidays at 315-379-9845.

The history of Renewal House dates back to 1981, following the closure of a women’s shelter, a group of St. Lawrence County citizens concerned about the lack of services to victims of family violence held forums and developed a task force to address the problem.

Renewal House was incorporated in 1982 as a not-for-profit membership organization and initiated services in March of 1983 with minimal funding.

Renewal House was and currently still is the only domestic violence agency in St. Lawrence County.

Since 1982, the organization has been committed to providing support and shelter to victims of domestic violence and their families, in an environment free from coercion, fear, judgment, or duress.

It is a client-centered service emphasizing self-help and the ability of individuals to take control of their own lives.

Over 100 women and their children received help in 1983 and 1984.

Emergency shelter became a top priority and a Program Development Grant from the state Department of Social Services was received in October 1984 for a safe home project.

Initially, the Renewal House network of voluntary safe homes was effective for short-term (1-3 days) crisis housing but a critical need for alternative, long-term housing became apparent.

The Safe-Apartment (6 beds) opened in 1987 providing shelter to victims for up to 30 days. A second Safe-Apartment was opened in 1989.

In 1998, Renewal House received a grant from the New York State Homeless Housing Assistance Program and was able to purchase a home for residential services.

In 2005, Renewal House purchased office space at 3 Chapel St. with a low interest loan and grant through the USDA Rural Development Program.

In 2010, Renewal House signed an agreement with the state Office of Victims Services to provide sexual assault services to victims throughout St. Lawrence County.

Renewal House has grown from one part-time person to a staff of 15.

The number of individuals served has increased dramatically as well as the comprehensiveness of the service.

Renewal House currently receives funding from: NYS Office of Victim Services, NYS Office of Children and Family Services, NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services, NYS Coalition Against Sexual Assault, NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services, United Way of Northern New York, FEMA, Arconic Foundation, NNY Community Foundation, Stewarts Holiday Fund, Kentucky Fried Wishes, Donations and Fundraising.