Kids & TEENS
SUPPORT GROUPS
We offer free, confidential support groups for youth and families living in our shelter and in the community. These support groups are for families who have been impacted by domestic violence. We also offer an education and prevention focused support group for teens to learn about healthy relationships.
Child Witness to Domestic Violence is a confidential, 12-week support group for survivors of domestic violence and their children who have witnessed domestic violence. This group is a safe space for survivors of any gender & children of all ages. Parents/caregivers will learn how violence affects their children and how to support them in healing. Children will engage in similar, age appropriate topics and tools for healing. We offer a family meal and support with transportation to all group members as well.
Safe Dates and Healthy Love is a confidential, 8-week support group for teens to learn about safe dating and healthy relationships. In this group, teens will build community with each other while learning about healthy relationship skills and topics such as managing feelings and emotions, signs of dating abuse, and conflict resolution. This group is for teens of any gender, ages 14-18. Teens do not have to have witnessed or experienced domestic violence to be able to join. A meal and transportation support is also available for all group members.
For more information about support groups for youth and families, please contact childrensprogram@familypeacecenter.org
Resources for helping kids
Sojourner offers many resources to help kids impacted by family violence. The print-friendly materials below can help parents, caregivers and professionals identify trauma-related behaviors and learn how to respond.
TOOL KIT FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS
Stress & Early Brain Growth: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)
Managing Challenging Behavior of Children Living with Domestic Violence
TOOL KIT FOR PROFESSIONALS WHO HELP KIDS
CHILDREN, FAMILY VIOLENCE AND TRAUMA
Parents and caregivers can learn to spot signs of trauma and how to offer comfort and support. This brochure outlines ways to talk with kids and lists resources for support.
A SAFE PLACE BOOKLET
“A safe place” is an interactive children’s activity book that teaches children about domestic violence and features activity pages that help them create an effective safety plan for moments when domestic issues arise. Read it online or download and print for your own personal copy.
TEEN DATING RESOURCES
Is your relationship healthy? brochure for teens
CAMP HOPE
Camp HOPE is where violence ends and healing begins.
Camp HOPE America is the nation’s first and only evidence-based camping and mentoring program for children impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Sojourner collaborates with Camp HOPE America to offer this transformative experience to kids in Wisconsin. At Camp HOPE, campers engage in various activities such as archery, arts and crafts, climbing, kayaking, campfires, stargazing, and swimming. These meaningful activities, combined with encouragement and support, create a space where kids feel safe, seen, supported, and loved.
The program's evidence-based curriculum empowers campers to believe in themselves, others, and their dreams. The vision of Camp HOPE is to break the intergenerational cycle of family violence by restoring childhoods and helping children find a pathway to hope. It is a year-round program for youth ages 9-15, featuring a summer camp and ongoing "Pathways to HOPE" events throughout the year, reinforcing hope and healing.