Understanding 2nd Chance’s Services

  • Shelter: Survivors may need emergency housing after their experience with domestic or sexual violence. 2nd Chance has several housing options including our 24-hour shelters, the Joy Kathryn Courtney House and the Legacy House- for elders and those with mobility limitations
  • Forensic Exam Advocacy: Our team of trained advocates is available 24/7 to provide in-person advocacy services for individuals in Emergency Departments needing forensic exams. Our advocates answer questions, provide clean clothing and toiletries at the hospital, discuss available community resources, and can provide emotional support for the survivor as they make empowered medical and legal decisions for themselves. Our advocates often stay throughout the entire forensic exam process.
  • Follow-Up Services: After a trauma, it can sometimes help to have someone to talk to. Our advocates connect with survivors as often as requested, providing support and understanding, community referrals as needed, and can connect the survivor with additional 2nd Chance, Inc. service provision.
  • Personal Advocacy: Sometimes a survivor needs more focused support to help them on their healing journey. Our advocates can assist a survivor with accessing a variety of community resources and additional support systems. 
  • Court and Criminal Justice Advocacy: The Criminal Justice system can be overwhelming and hard to navigate alone. Our advocates can work with survivors if they choose to move forward with pressing charges against their perpetrator or if they need assistance with a Protection from Abuse Order.
  • Counseling: Our Licensed Professional Counselor works with domestic and sexual violence survivors and their non-offending loved ones, who are considered secondary survivors. Using a variety of therapeutic methods, the counselor will work with the survivor as they process their trauma.
  • Outreach: Are you interested in learning more about 2nd Chance and how your organization can be a part of the movement to end gender based violence? Connect with us! We’d love to start a conversation with you. Trainings and presentations can be tailored to fit your needs and community.
  • Holistic Wellness Activities: The 2nd Chance, Inc. staff feel strongly that offering activities for survivors that focus on the mind, body, and spirit are critical for one’s healing journey. We offer a variety of activities every season.
  • Support groups:
    • Survivors’ Experiences: This survivor led group is a space for all survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence and their supportive loved ones to speak openly with other survivors who “get it.” This group’s format changes to meet the needs of the survivors who attend.
    • WOC Survivors’ Experiences: We recognize that the needs of domestic and/or sexual violence survivors who are also Women of Color can be unique. In an effort to respect that, this space is dedicated only to Women of Color and led by staff members who are also Women of Color.
    • Young Women’s Group: This group was created for young women 16-25 and focuses on self-care and healthy relationships.
    • COLOR: Coloring is still cool! We provide the coloring sheets and colored pencils and you get to take a break to center yourself and relax.

Our groups are subject to change occasionally. We recommend calling 256-403-2989, for more information about any group that may be of interest to you. Child care can be arranged with advanced notice.