Left in the Dark

Date

Category

Most of us can relate to that very particular feeling of dread when the power goes out. You instinctively reach for candles, or comfort your children as you prepare for your new reality. Now, imagine you are not in your familiar home, but in a shelter because you recently escaped a violent relationship. Although it may be difficult to imagine, that is what happened to the families living at Rose Brooks Center during the wide-spread power outage in January of this year.

“The same concerns a hospital may have, are the same concerns Rose Brooks would have,” explained Medical Advisory Board Member, Lou Loescher-Junge. “You both are responsible for the lives of those living with heightened emotional, medical, and safety needs because of recent trauma.”

Because of this experience, Rose Brooks is looking at the feasibility of generators capable of allowing us to provide critical care in spite of an extended power outage. This care will not only include the basics of climate control, but the very crucial need of safety for residents and those trying to reach us for support.

As you might expect, these types of generators, along with operating and maintenance are very expensive, but we are committed to doing what we have been doing for over 40 years – meeting the needs of those escaping unspeakable violence in order for them to heal, move forward, and live a life free of violence. Stay tuned as we continue our research!

Program Update: Pictured above is the NEW emergency power generator that was installed in August of 2020! The generator sits on a diesel fuel tank that allows the generator to run for 48 hours after losing power and will run the entire main building. It only takes approximately 10 second after the power goes off for the generator to start up and turn the lights back on.

For an agency providing safety and support to people experiencing high degrees of danger and trauma, it is a critical solution allowing residents to feel safe and secure.

We thank both The Goppert Foundation and The Sunderland Foundation for their generous gift ensuring 24/7/365 power for the residents and staff of Rose Brooks Center.

To learn more about our emergency shelter program visit: www.rosebrooks.org/services/emergency-safety-and-support/

Rose Brooks Is Here

Rose Brooks Center

Rose Brooks Center is about saving lives. Read letters from the CEO, stories about featured programs, and more here.

Bridge Program

Serving patients experiencing domestic violence in the safety of local hospitals and clinics.

Children's Programs

Offering a wide variety of services to support the emotional and physical well-being of children who are healing from domestic violence.

Community Training

Since 2001, Rose Brooks Center has been providing quality domestic violence education to the Kansas City community and beyond.

Court Advocacy

Advocating for and guiding survivors through complex court systems.

Economic Empowerment

Helping survivors repair the effects of economic abuse through credit repair, budgeting, and education.

Emergency Shelter

Providing a safe sanctuary where individuals, families, and pets are welcomed, wrapped in support, and can begin to heal.

Employment Advocacy

Employment Advocacy includes developing job interview skills, job search, and ongoing support to survivors in maintaining employment.

Hotline

Providing confidential support, information, individual safety planning, resources, and more. The 24-hour Hotline is 816-861-6100.

Housing

Helping survivors find safe, affordable housing and gain economic stability within a safe home, free from violence.

Onsite Clinic

On-site medical and healthcare services within the safety of emergency shelter.

Pet Shelter

An on-site state-of-the art pet shelter for dogs, cats, and other family pets.

Police Advocacy

Providing advocacy services for victims of domestic violence and education for officers to improve victims safety.

Project SAFE

A school-based violence prevention program working to end the cycle of domestic violence by providing support to youth dealing with violence at home or communities.

Volunteer

Stories about our incredible volunteers and the work they do to support our mission.