![[St. Jude House]](sjh.gif)
St. Jude House provides services to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and their dependent children. The program is open to all individuals regardless of race, creed, religion or gender and primarily serves residents of Lake and Porter counties.
Shelter services include a 45-day program providing crisis intervention, housing, daily living needs (such as food, toiletries, emergency clothing), counseling, support groups, legal advocacy, referrals and linkage to social service agencies and entitlement programs. Education and information about the dynamics and effects of domestic violence is also an integral part of the program. Residents live communally and share in housekeeping and cooking. The children's program, in addition to counseling and support groups, offers conflict resolution and personal safety information.
Both residential and non-residential clients and their children may participate in support groups and one-on-one counseling sessions.
Funding for the construction of St. Jude House was made possible by generous grants from Donald J. Burrell, Crown Point businessman, and the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago whose long ministry in Northwest Indiana includes caring for the sick, elderly, young and the physically challenged. The shelter is named after St. Jude, the patron saint of those in need of help, particularly at times when hope seems impossible.
Funding for shelter operations is provided by private sources such as grants, public contributions, fund raising events and activities.