The OARS Program
(Orientation, Assessment, Referral, Safety)
A collaborative project between the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS)
and the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV).
OARS CAN HELP
IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR OR RECEIVING SRS BENEFITS AND HAVE TROUBLE REACHING YOUR GOALS BECAUSE OF PROBLEMS THAT INCLUDE:
- Living in fear due to someone hurting or threatening you.
- Risk danger if SRS pursues child support.
- Are overwhelmed by trauma from current or past sexual or domestic violence & cannot work.
- Have an intimate partner keep you from work or training.
OARS may be for you if you answered "YES" to any or all of these questions.
OARS MISSION
"To reduce the employment barrier of domestic violence and sexual assault by enhancing the safety of abused families receiving Temporary Assistance to Families."
CONFIDENTIAL AND VOLUNTARY
You may enroll voluntarily for the OARS program at any time. If you decide it is not right for you today, you can choose to volunteer another time.
You need only share information necessary to develop a plan of safety and help you become self-sufficient. All information is confidential unless you decide to release it.
"I am not afraid of storms for I am learning to sail my ship." Louisa May Alcott
TO GET MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Your SRS Service Center
- Your local OARS Advocate
- Your local Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault Organization
Or
The Toll Free Crisis Hotline: 1-888-END-ABUSE 1-888-363-2287
Available 24 hrs a day, every day.
"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it." Helen Keller
The OARS Program
OARS is a special, voluntary program for families needing assistance from SRS and an alternative to traditional work requirements. An OARS Advocate, employed by the local domestic violence and sexual assault organization, will be able to assist you.
OARS is a program based on your needs with the goals of safety and self-sufficiency. While in OARS, advocates may help you with safety planning, shelter, support groups, counseling, court, economic advocacy, and when ready, help with your goals related to work or training.
OARS has helped thousands of survivors over the years to become safe and self-sufficient.
When you are ready, OARS
will be available to help you achieve these goals plus more
of your own!
OARS welcomes survivors regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
OARS participants say...
"It is a wonderful program and has helped me so much through rough times. I am so glad there's people out there like my advocate to help me. Thanks so much for all you do."
"The program has helped me to become more emotionally stable. I am physically safer which lowers my stress level and life is positive and enjoyable for the first time in 3 years."