Safe Shelter, Stronger Futures: How BrightHouse Supports Survivors in Reno County

Every survivor of abuse has a different story, different needs, and different barriers to safety and independence. BrightHouse recognizes that there is no single path to healing, which is why their Advocacy & Shelter services are designed to connect each survivor with the specific resources, skills, and support systems they need to reach their personal goals.

In 2024, BrightHouse provided advocacy and support services to 514 survivors in Reno County who were experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse. With financial support from United Way of Reno County, Brighthouse supports survivors at every stage of their journey—from before they leave an unsafe situation to many years after the abuse has ended—helping them build safer, more stable lives.

How the Program Works

BrightHouse provides comprehensive advocacy and shelter services designed to support survivors during crisis situations and throughout the recovery process. Their team works closely with survivors to ensure they have the resources and guidance needed to navigate difficult circumstances safely.

Examples of services provided include:

• Safety planning for individuals experiencing abuse
• Accompaniment to forensic and medical exams at local hospitals
• Assistance filing Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
• Advocacy and support during court proceedings
• Emergency shelter for individuals and families fleeing abuse
• Survivor support groups and crisis advocacy services

Through these services, BrightHouse helps survivors take critical first steps toward safety and stability.

Supporting Survivors in Crisis

When survivors leave an abusive situation, they often do so quickly and with very few belongings. BrightHouse works to ensure that their most immediate needs are met so they can begin focusing on their safety and recovery.

BrightHouse helps survivors access essential resources such as:

• Safe emergency shelter for a night or several months
• Food, clothing, and basic necessities
• Assistance obtaining replacement identification documents
• Transportation support, including gas or bus tickets
• Temporary boarding and medical care for pets

These resources help survivors stabilize their immediate situation while they begin planning for the future.

Addressing Barriers to Safety and Independence

Once a survivor has access to safe shelter and basic resources, BrightHouse advocates work closely with them to develop a plan for recovery and long-term safety.

Advocates assist survivors by helping them:

• Identify threats to their safety and develop personalized safety plans
• Apply for Protection from Abuse orders
• Navigate legal and court-related processes
• Identify barriers that may prevent them from achieving independence
• Connect with community services that support long-term stability

BrightHouse also connects survivors with other important resources, including legal services, housing assistance programs, and mental health support.

Empowering Survivors Through Support and Healing

Healing from abuse often requires emotional support and long-term resources. BrightHouse provides counseling and peer support opportunities to help survivors process trauma and build resilience.

Survivors can access support services such as:

• Individual crisis counseling and advocacy
• Referrals to professional mental health providers
• Free therapeutic counseling for qualifying survivors
• Weekly support groups for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault
• Support groups for female survivors in the county jail
• Peer support groups for LGBTQ+ survivors

These services create opportunities for survivors to connect with others, rebuild confidence, and continue their healing journey.

Community Collaboration

BrightHouse works closely with community partners to ensure survivors have access to the full range of services needed to rebuild their lives safely and independently.

Key partnerships help expand support through collaboration with organizations such as:

• Local law enforcement agencies and the courts to improve safety and accountability
• Hutchinson Regional Medical Center to support survivors during forensic and medical exams
• Housing programs such as MIDCAP to help survivors secure stable housing
• Beyond Barriers to provide additional support for survivors with disabilities

These partnerships strengthen the network of support available to survivors across Reno County.

What Success Looks Like

Because every survivor’s journey is unique, BrightHouse measures success through a combination of immediate safety outcomes and longer-term progress toward independence.

Short-term success often includes:

• Access to safe emergency shelter
• Development of personalized safety plans
• Immediate crisis support and advocacy

Long-term outcomes may include:

• Survivors obtaining Protection from Abuse orders
• Access to public benefits or financial assistance
• Survivors transitioning from shelter into safe, stable housing
• Survivors remaining free from abusive situations

Ultimately, BrightHouse’s goal is to help survivors build safe, healthy, and self-determined lives.

United Way at Work

Building safer communities requires strong partnerships and a shared commitment to supporting those experiencing crisis. Through support from United Way of Reno County, BrightHouse is able to provide critical advocacy, shelter, and recovery services to survivors of abuse throughout the community.

By supporting programs like BrightHouse, United Way helps ensure that survivors have access to safe shelter, essential resources, and the support they need to rebuild their lives. Together with community partners and generous donors, United Way continues to help create a safer and more stable future for families across Reno County.