SAHARA’s toll free 24-hour helpline is supervised by trained volunteers and staff. Our statewide toll free helpline number is 1-888-SAHARA2 or 1-888-724-2722

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: S.A.W.I.N. (South Asian Women in Need) is a transitional living home for survivors of domestic violence. It permits SAHARA to rehabilitate distressed persons. Supportive services such as mental health counseling, job training, education and referrals are provided during this period. Many times, S.A.W.I.N. has been the first step towards the beginning of a newer and better life.

ADVOCACY: SAHARA advocates on behalf of women in distress: mothers, wives, daughters, daughters-in-law, etc. It provides a gamut of services like housing, public aid, medical and psychiatric attention, literacy education, job preparedness, and childcare.

LEGAL ADVOCACY: SAHARA provides referrals for legal advice and representation. When required, we accompany clients for legal appointments and court dates. Client’s legal needs include orders of protection, divorce, custody, assistance with immigration issues, and prosecution.

HEALTH CARE REFERRALS: SAHARA provides referrals for health care. When required we accompany clients for health care appointments. Health Care includes, doctor’s visits, dental visits, optometry visits and any special requirements for the client.

COUNSELING AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: The foundation of SAHARA’s domestic violence program is therapeutic mental health counseling, and case management services. Special emphasis is placed on resolving Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depression, and other emotional turmoil. SAHARA believes in an empathetic approach and supportive services. This has empowered innumerable persons and prepared them for a brighter and happier future.

COUPLES COUNSELING AND COUNSELING FOR BATTERERS: SAHARA offers counseling for couples going through domestic violence and batterers who want to change. Our first goal is to keep the family and marriage together through therapy and the willingness to change. Our therapists are highly qualified and are able to help through counseling sessions at our office.

COUNSELING FOR ALCOHOL ABUSE: SAHARA is in progress of creating a substance abuse program designed to help those in our community who are dealing with alcohol or substance abuse. Through this program we will offer resources for rehabilitation and counseling so these clients can mainstream back into society as fit and healthy individuals.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: SAHARA aims to provide as much financial assistance as possible to survivors of domestic violence. We offer training in financial management and provide community resources to help underserved women get back on their own two feet.

JOB ASSISTANCE: SAHARA’s objective is financial independence FOR DOESTIC VIOLENCE CLIENTS. Therefore, SAHARA assists clients with referrals to local agencies that facilitate job searches. Clients are provided guidance and training in résumé writing, interviewing skills, degree equivalency evaluation, and job placement. SAHARA encourages clients to pursue higher education and/or professional training.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING: SAHARA focuses on raising community awareness of the nature and effects of domestic violence, as well as cultural sensitivity NEEDED TO HELP to South Asian victims OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. SAHARA staff and volunteers give presentations to religious, social, and educational groups; medical schools and other health care institutions. This improves community awareness regarding the prevention of violence and the ill-effects of domestic violence.

IN-OFFICE CONSULTATION: SAHARA provides free consultation to South Asians WHO ARE IN NEED OF mental health counseling and other services. If needed, clients are referred to other community agencies.

CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES: SAHARA has a fully qualified case management who is able to determine what a clients’ specific needs are what services are available to meet those needs. The case manager can discuss services offered through SAHARA and community-based services the client may be able to use.

FAMILY SUPPORT: SAHARA offers support for families of domestic violence through services, counseling, therapy, advocacy and mentoring.

YOUTH SERVICES: SAHARA has recently establish the Youth Ensemble of SAHARA (YES) a chapter designed to be the South Asian Communities youth lifeline. Here youth are able to express themselves, share their experiences and network to find guidance and advice from professionals that have already experienced what they have.

COMPUTER LITERACY: SAHARA’s Education Center was created to empower underserved women with an equal opportunity to succeed by promoting computer literacy. At the Education Center, clients and community members will be able to learn computer skills such as Microsoft Training, QuickBooks Training and so forth to help them become independent, self-sufficient members of society.

COLLABORATION AND NETWORKING: SAHARA collaborates with local coalitions and organizations to better serve the South Asian community.

EDUCATION MENTORS: Clients are mentored by volunteers who are the best of professionals in specialized disciplines. This facilitates clients in pursuing their educational and employment goals.

MULTILINGUAL SERVICES: SAHARA’s staff and volunteers are multilingual and can communicate in various South Asian languages.

OTHER NEEDED REFERRALS: SAHARA also offers any other referrals based on the needs of the client.