24-Hour Crisis Line
(812) 336-0846

A National Model Domestic Violence Program and Rape Crisis Center

Childcare Program

Children's Programming:

Children suffer immeasurably as a consequence of growing up in a home where their mother is being beaten. Because the effects of the violence are felt in every aspect of their lives, the Children's Program has been designed to provide a comprehensive range of services. Children at Middle Way House have their own advocate/case manager. As soon as they are old enough, children are encouraged to meet with their advocate to discuss their interests, needs, and whatever special problems they are encountering in shelter, at school, or in the larger community. The advocate may speak with the parent about any special needs she has identified and help the parent select an appropriate intervention. The advocate's duties include seeing that each child has his/her very own teddy bear to take to bed every night, arranging parties to mark special occasions like birthdays and graduations, facilitating a smooth transition between schools when transfers are necessary, and helping kids talk to their Moms about difficult subjects. Children's advocates also identify and secure internal and external resources to help the children realize their full potential. The Children's Program and the Parent Support Group join forces periodically to provide Parent-Child Interaction Activities.

Childcare and Before School Services:

Middle Way House also operates a licensed childcare program. The program, which serves pre-school and school-age children whose parents are participating in Middle Way's programs, is supervised by a licensed teacher who performs individual assessments and designs learning programs for the children aimed at helping them meet the challenges of school, family, and social and community life. The program provides early developmental and school readiness activities and enrichment projects in a setting where the adult-child ratio is never less favorable than 1:3. Group activities focus on music and crafts, games and large motor skill development, and learning cooperation and empathy. Every week, a group of supervised interns from the Indiana University Speech and Hearing Program comes to the shelter to test children (and make referrals to the Clinic as appropriate) and encourage the development of effective communication skills. During the summer months, the Childcare and Youth Programs get together for Reading Circles.

Every week, a group of supervised interns from the Indiana University Speech and Hearing Program test the children and make appropriate referrals. Many community and university volunteers provide programming support and nurturing to the children. During the summer months, the Childcare and Youth Programs combine programs for Reading Groups and swimming.

Youth Programs:

Pre-school and school-age children can participate in after-school programs that provide homework help and tutoring, recreation, arts and service projects. Groups for older children focus on creative problem-solving, conflict resolution, clarifying values and responding to peer pressure, and contribution to the health and well-being of the larger community. The Mentoring Program pairs boys and girls with young men and women in the community who provide our youngsters with extra attention, nurture their special talents, and encourage them to express their fears and hopes. Mentors agree to be paired with their matches for at least a year. Youth Programming hosts a science enrichment spring break camp and have a strong relationship with the schools to try and ensure that the children do well. Including scheduled office hours at the elementary school for teachers to meet and talk with the program about the children's academic needs.

For their last adventure, Monte Simonton took a group of 18 boys and girls from the Rise on a four-day camping trip to a state park in Kentucky. Hiking, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, archery, biking and swimming was part of their camping experience. After climbing a 40 foot tower, some brave kids took the fast way down by zip-lining. For more information, on the Youth Program at the Rise, call Monte at 337-4510.