SUPPORT & ADVOCACY
ASPEN House
ASPEN operates a 24 hour emergency safe house and can accommodate up to 12 individuals at one time. The length of stay is up to 45 days, but we work with each client on an individual basis to help meet their needs and secure safe, affordable housing. We do not discriminate against sexual orientation or gender identity. We serve and support those who identify as straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer.
Advocates work closely with residents, offering support and connecting them to valuable community resources such as:
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Public assistance
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Medical services
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Employment resources
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Housing resources
To speak with an advocate about your situation and discuss options like emergency shelter, please call our support line at 406-222-8154.
24-Hour Support Line
406-222-8154
ASPEN operates a 24 Hour Support Line to provide support for victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Our crisis line is staffed by an advocate 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays. Advocates are available to listen and provide advocacy and support, offer resources like emergency shelter, assist in creating a safety plan, provide general legal information, and provide information and referrals to other community resources.
Support & Advocacy
We know that no two cases of domestic violence are the same, and that survivors of domestic violence might need any number of different services. Our advocates help find emergency resources and determine potential next steps, in order to develop a plan for immediate and long term safety. Each plan is customized to each individual and/or family to meet their current needs or wants. If you are questioning unhealthy aspects of your own relationship or are concerned about a loved one, we are here to listen. We do not discriminate against sexual orientation or gender identity. We serve those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer.
How our advocates help:
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Assist in identifying abusive patterns and behaviors
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Offer information about rights and discuss options
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Assist in developing a safety plan
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Offer individual and group support
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Provide community resource information and referrals
To reach an advocate call: 406-222-8154
Legal Advocacy
Our advocates help victims work with local police, city and county attorneys, and the court system, to support them through the legal system.An advocate can explain general court procedures and paperwork, assist in obtaining an Order of Protection, accompany victims to court proceedings, and offer support immediately following a domestic or sexual assault, and in some cases throughout the legal process. An advocate may also be able to provide victims with support and referrals for other related legal matters such as child custody, marriage dissolution, etc.
We also provide 24-hour support to victims of domestic and sexual violence treated in local hospitals, ERs, and clinics.
ASPEN cannot provide any legal advice and cannot provide legal representation. We can however, provide you with referrals to local attorneys.
To speak to an advocate call: 406-222-8154
Community Support Groups
ASPEN offers two separate support groups.
Queer Straight Alliance ~ Your Authentic Self
The mission of the QSA is to promote trust and acceptance throughout our communities and to provide a safe, non-judgmental space as a support network for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Straight youth who share a common vision of social equality, strengthening community roots. This group uses a variety of approaches to discover our likes, dislikes, attraction, gender identity and a strong sense of self. For more information about this group, contact ASPEN at info@aspenmt.org or call 406-222-5902.
Education & Outreach
ASPEN is committed to breaking the cycle of violence by providing educational and awareness activities in the community. Focusing on prevention is an important step in ending domestic and sexual violence. We offer free presentations and facilitated dialogues to community groups and individuals on the basics of domestic and/or sexual violence, signs, intervention, and awareness. This is a great way to learn more about the issues and take a stand through partnership with ASPEN. Participating groups have included faith-based groups, civic and service clubs, and community interest organizations. We will craft the presentation to fit your group’s specific time frame and goals.
ASPEN is also committed to educating and collaborating with professional groups by offering a wide variety of training options tailored to each group. Our staff will work with you to craft a training that meets your group’s specific goals and time frame.
