Press release in PDF format: Providence House closure Press Release 4 11 14

April 11, 2014 – Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV) today released a statement expressing support for the Shreveport community as it weathers the loss of its domestic violence service provider after Providence House announced they would be closing their safe house. 

The Executive Director of the coalition, Beth Meeks, was optimistic about the ability to meet the needs of survivors of violence in Shreveport and surrounding areas. “The good news is that you have two very strong neighbors, DART and Project Celebration are both widely recognized as high quality domestic violence programs.”  Project Celebration is well known in Shreveport as they are the sexual assault service provider for the region and already have an office in Shreveport.  “Project Celebration has confirmed that they can offer domestic violence supportive services through their outreach office so the community still has a safety net in place while we work to transition other services.” said Meeks.     

Meeks says that typically in these situations one of the neighboring programs will offer services at least temporarily while community stakeholders work to locate a new service provider.   The coalition has offered its assistance to key leaders as they consider next steps.  According to the coalition, there are rigorous standards for providing domestic violence services which are governed by many state and federal laws. 

Meeks also praised the Providence House leaders who implemented an exit plan and have agreed to work with anyone who is willing to take on the services and pledged the support and guidance of the coalition as leaders move forward.  “We are keenly aware that citizens in the Shreveport area need and deserve a quality resource for services, support and education as they address this critical community concern.  We are prepared to offer them training, support and any technical assistance necessary to get a service provider in place.” said Meeks.

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The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV) is a state wide network of battered women’s programs, other organizations and individuals who share the goal of ending violence against women and children in Louisiana.  LCADV empowers its members through advocacy, education, resource development and technical assistance.