EXPERIENCING ABUSE?

YWCA's Wise Options is here to help.

Call our 24/7 CONFIDENTIAL hotline to speak to a caring advocate: 1-800-326-8483

If you are unable to make a phone call, you can

  • Come into the YWCA at any time to speak with an advocate

OR

  • Send a Text Message to 570-560-8623.

 

Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Wise Options

YWCA Northcentral PA's Wise Options Program is a comprehensive victim service center that has been serving Lycoming County since 1977.

Wise Options is dedicated to addressing the needs of survivors and their children who have been impacted by violence. All services are confidential, free of charge, and can be accessed by calling our 24/7 crisis hotline at (800) 326-8483.

Wise Options offers a range of services, including emergency shelter for survivors and their children, community-based services, advocacy, and support. All services are available to those who have experienced, witnessed, or had a family member involved in domestic violence, sexual violence, or other violent crimes.

24-Hour Hotline

The 24-hour hotline is free and confidential. Emotional support, advocacy, referrals to community resources, safety planning and crisis intervention are offered by trained advocates who are available 24/7.

Confidential Emergency Shelter

The YWCA Northcentral PA’s Wise Options shelter provides refuge for survivors of violence in a safe and secure site. Wise Option’s emergency shelter for victims of abuse is the only shelter of its’ kind in Lycoming County. Shelter advocates provide support, advocacy, counseling, and individual case management. The goal while within our shelter is to empower each survivor and their families and to assist them in rebuilding for the future.

Counseling and Advocacy

This service provides goal-oriented counseling to survivors of violence; allowing individuals to explore their options privately with the support of a trained counselor. The YWCA's skilled team uses an empowerment-based model where the counseling process empowers survivors to evaluate their situations and plan for their safety and future. Counselors use a person-centered and trauma-informed approach tailored to each individual, family, and child.

Legal Advocacy

The YWCA's legal advocates are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice, but are available to assist survivors of violence through court and hospital accompaniment. Legal advocates provide emotional support, explain the legal process of protection orders and paperwork, courtroom procedure and discuss safety planning as well as offer other community supports.

Our YWCA is proud to partner with local legal firms, McCormick Law Firm and North Penn Legal Services, who provide proper court representation as needed.

North Penn Legal Services
McCormick Law Firm

PFA Orders

PROTECTION FROM ABUSE (PFA), PROTECTION FROM SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND INTIMIDATION ORDERS (SVPO/I) FILING

The Wise Options team has the necessary training to aid in filing Protection from Abuse orders, ensuring the safety of victims of violence. They are available to provide the assistance needed to complete the process.

Obtaining a PFA

Learn more about obtaining a Protection from Abuse order.

Support

Survivor Support Groups

Survivor Support Groups provide opportunities for those who have experienced violence to come together, share experiences, and offer support to one another. Providing a comfortable atmosphere to develop trusting and caring relationships, the groups offer a safe place to talk about their experience. All discussion is kept confidential.

Recovery Support

The YWCA’s Wise Options team are trained and versed in offering coordination of services within the community for substance abuse treatment, serving various levels of treatment.