Support Services

Crisis & Support Line
319.363.2093 or 800.208.0388
Waypoint’s local and toll free emergency phone lines are available 24/7 to provide information or immediate crisis counseling to victims/survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault or their family or friends. Call us if you have an urgent situation, want more information about our services, or would like to speak with an Advocate. We’re here to listen and help.

Emergency, Safe Shelter
If you are in need of emergency shelter in a safe, confidential place, Waypoint has safe housing options available. Call the Waypoint Crisis & Support Line anytime at 319-363-2093 or 800-208-0388.

Advocacy
Waypoint offers 24-hour advocacy to provide information and support regarding your options and rights within the legal, medical and social services systems. We can provide support during medical exams, police interviews, legal appointments or court appearances. We can also help you work with agencies on issues related to employment, housing, education, child protection, law enforcement, child care, clergy and transportation.

Counseling
Advocates offer individual peer counseling to assist domestic violence & sexual assault victims with the healing process, the long-term impact of victimization and strategies for coping via non-judgmental and unconditional emotional support, validation of feelings, assistance with safety planning, and information about options and resources available.

Youth & Family Advocacy
Waypoint can help parents who have been targeted by a controlling partner and their children through rough times. Youth and family advocacy can help families find housing, navigate DHS involvement, find parenting techniques that work, help children handle strong emotions, help parents explain things to kids, navigate the legal system, grieve a change in the family, find appropriate child care, create safety plans, and connect families to resources.

Teen Advocacy
Dating violence and sexual assault are experienced by all teens either directly or indirectly.  Girls between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest per capita rates of intimate violence.  Teen advocacy at Waypoint can help teen survivors of dating violence and sexual assault handle strong emotions, navigate the legal or criminal justice system, create safety plans, or get connected to other community resources.  It also offers opportunities for empowerment through education, creative expression, and social connection.

Support Groups
Support groups provide a foundation for healing and offer women and children a place to learn they are not alone. We offer groups for adult women, children, and teens. All groups are open to new participants at any time. Free child care is provided for some group sessions. Current groups include: 

• Finding Your Voice – A group for women seeking support in coping with a controlling or abusive partner. 
• Seeking Change – A group for women involved with DHS and who also are coping with a controlling or abusive partner/former partner 
• Junior Adventure Club – A group for children ages 5 – 12 whose mothers attend the Finding Your Voice group.
• African American Women’s Discussion Group – Breaking the silence within the African American community.

Referrals and Information
Advocates offer information to victim/survivors in the form of books, web-sites, and educational brochures. We also offer referrals to help victim/survivors identify services or support beyond those provided by Waypoint.

Rural Outreach & Support
Vinton Office: 319-472-4032
Anamosa Office: 319-462-3422
Waypoint has two offices in rural areas – one in Anamosa, Iowa (serving Jones County) and the other in Vinton, Iowa (serving Benton County). Each office is open two days per week and provides individual peer counseling, advocacy, information and referrals. Appointments are necessary.