Freedom Ranch of Missouri is a project of Battered Mothers Resource Fund, Inc.

Why a safe house?

Because, unfortunately, batterers are often unwilling to let go of their victims. Battered mothers and their children are often hunted down and pulled back into lives of abuse. But at Freedom Ranch they will be out of harm's way, protected, and able to move forward into a life of self-respect and productivity.

Are there other safe houses?

Yes, of course, but in most cases they are for women only. The children are taken away and placed in foster homes where they have no way to know if their mothers are safe - and where their mothers have no way to know if their children are safe.

We've all read the tales of horror about the treatment of children in some foster homes - so it's no wonder that mothers whose children have been placed there are in a continual state of anxiety, fear, and dread. This state of anxiety is not conducive to healing and moving forward.

Freedom Ranch provides a better alternative.

What will make the Freedom Ranch Emergency Safe House unique is that we will provide a haven for mothers AND their children in a private apartment-type setting, unlike the dormitory setting found in most shelters. Mothers and their children will have their own rooms with a private bathroom - just for their family.

This allows time for the families to cling to each other for support, and to talk and begin to heal during their stay at the shelter. Initially and at any given time, Freedom Ranch will be able to assist 10 mothers and up to 40 children in the Emergency Safe House. As more funds are made available, a second Emergency Safe House will be constructed on the Ranch to provide additional assistance to approximately 10 more families.

The Emergency Shelter/Safe House will be constructed as a large Ranch house. It will house the offices, dining hall, commercial kitchen, meeting/counseling/training rooms and common spaces for groups to meet.

Just as family members in your home might go to their own rooms for some quiet and alone time, our mothers and children will be able to retreat each to their own apartment for private family time.

During this time of transition for the family, mothers and their children can utilize the counseling and case management services available which will include:

• emotional counseling;

• credit and financial counseling;

• access to our extensive database for referrals to resources in their communities (law enforcement, housing, basic needs and advocacy groups);

• job training;

• assistance with classes on-site;

• legal assistance (divorce, collecting child support, restraining orders, etc.);

• access to other services with transportation off-site as needed;

• and much more!

Because the Shelter is located on the Ranch, the families will have full access to all the wonders of "Ranch life" by participating in and enjoying the same experiences as the campers.

Battered Mother's Resource Fund is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and as such, your donation may be tax-deductible.

If you, a loved one, or a friend has ever been touched by domestic abuse, you know the desperation that these mothers feel. If you have not, please read the chilling statistics to realize the good that your contribution will make today.

Your privacy and confidentiality will be held in the strictest of confidence.
No information will be shared or disclosed to anyone from this web site.
 

info@freedomranchofmissouri.org
P.O. Box 7166 · Columbia, MO 65205
866-592-7870

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All material herein ©2008 Battered Mothers Resource Fund, Inc., all rights reserved · Site last updated April 2008