By Tiffany Kerrigan, MPH—
Muncie, IN – A Better Way, a non-profit committed to reducing domestic abuse, sexual assault and suicide through shelter services, crisis intervention and prevention initiatives, has announced that it will begin serving the three counties served by Genesis of Richmond and acquire all its assets. Effective immediately, Genesis will operate as a part of A Better Way.
The expanded agency, managed under the leadership of A Better Way’s Executive Director Teresa Clemmons, will allow for greater efficiencies, a broader scope of services for victims of domestic violence and a greater overall impact. A Better Way will now provide services in eight counties, including Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Jay, Randolph, Union, and Wayne. Additionally, A Better Way will offer two secure residential locations for victims of domestic violence in Richmond and Muncie.
“The significant work and strong relationships Genesis has developed throughout its history will serve as a strong foundation for us as we work to grow programming and services in the rural counties we will now serve,” said Clemmons. “I truly believe the impact of our work will be even greater because of this transition. We are stronger as one.”
The decision for Genesis to be acquired by A Better Way was made with one very critical notion in mind– what is best for the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
“Our recent situation required us to make a significant change in order to continue serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Becky Jewison, board president, Genesis. “It made perfect sense to join with A Better Way and allow for them to take over our programming and services. We are confident that A Better Way will leverage their expertise and resources to provide enhanced and increased services in our communities.”
A Better Way has an extensive history in serving domestic violence and sexual assault victims that has grown over the years including on-site counseling, a 24-hour crisis and suicide hotline, parenting classes, legal advocacy & support, transitional housing & rapid re-housing programs, a Rape Crisis Center, and outreach programs that include bullying, teen dating, violence, domestic violence, and suicide prevention. The Richmond shelter will close on October 11 for a brief time. During that limited time, shelter survivors from all 8 counties will be served in the Muncie shelter while minor improvements are being made to the Richmond facility. All services to non-residential survivors will continue. All Genesis staff will continue their employment with A Better Way.
“Through this transition, we hope to be able to serve all of the rural counties better than either of us has in the past,” said Clemmons. “We are excited about what the future holds for us as we continue to look for creative solutions to serve morevictims of domestic violence and sexual assault.”
The two organizations will now function as one. Together, they will be doing the same important work to reduce domestic abuse, sexual assault and suicide through shelter services, crisis intervention and prevention initiatives.
“The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence is pleased to see that A Better Way, which is a well- established survivor centered organization, will be expanding their services into Wayne, Fayette and Union County after the closure of Genesis of Richmond,” said Laura Berry, Executive Director, Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “The merger of these two organizations will ensure that all survivors of domestic and sexual violence continue to have access to resources and receive services in their local community.”
About A Better Way
A Better Way is committed to reducing domestic abuse, sexual assault and suicide through shelter services, crisis interview and prevention initiatives A Better Way provides shelter and services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, a walk-in Rape Crisis Center, advocacy, individual trauma- informed counseling, support groups, transitional housing, a 24-hour crisis line for persons in any type of crisis, education + referrals, a suicide hotline, bullying, teen dating violence and domestic violence prevention programs, and a check-in call service for elderly or disabled homebound persons. For more informationvisit abetterwaymuncie.org.
About Genesis of Richmond, Inc.
Genesis of Richmond, Inc. is a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program serving victims and secondary victims in Wayne,Union, and Fayette Counties in Indiana. Genesis offers a range of services to empower its clients to get through a time of crisis in a safe, healthy, and clean environment. The mission-driven work of Genesis is dedicated to serving victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault by providing services for healing the effects of interpersonal trauma and offering resources build healthy relationships and lifestyles with the hope of a new beginning.
