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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Time Out launches resource rich website

Time Out, Inc. has launched its new website, at www.timeoutshelter.org.  The website provides comprehensive information, resource links, and suggestions for victims of domestic violence and those who want to help.

The site, designed by Webbness based in Payson, with content developed by Semilla Business Solutions based in Chandler, offers:
·         - Background information about the agency, its leadership, and major supporters
·         - Extensive information and resource links for victims who want help
·         - Guidance for those who want to help someone they know
·        - Ways to make a difference through contributions of goods or services
·         - Information on Time Out’s popular Thrift Shop including special sales and donation guidelines
·         - Links to domestic violence related news and events
·         - Screen reader functionality for visually impaired persons

The website welcomes visitors with bold energetic colors, a clean uncluttered design, and featured content centered on Time Out’s mission to help individuals break the cycle of abuse in their lives.  “With changing information needs, increased access to the internet, and rural domestic violence resource deficits, it makes sense to provide women and men with online access to comprehensive victim service information,” said Gerry Bailey, Executive Director. “We stand ready to serve victims who desire immediate intervention. Our website also embodies our commitment to supporting those who want to consider options other than emergency shelter.”

Jessye Johnson, Director of Member Services of the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, confirmed the importance of Time Out’s new website: “Having resources and services available in rural areas can help to ease the actual and imposed isolation that victims experience.  Secure web-based resources are an excellent way for someone in a rural community to maintain anonymity and confidentiality if reaching out, in person, is not an option.”

As with many domestic violence programs across the nation, Time Out has experienced increased demand for services among domestic violence victims living in and around Gila County.  Agency data reveals a 42 percent increase in demand for emergency shelter among women and their children in the last half of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.  Requests for community-based assistance among victims of abuse who prefer to remain living at home grew by 67% throughout calendar year 2010. The number of children served in the emergency shelter program grew by 11% in FY2010 compared to the previous fiscal year.

Since opening the emergency shelter in 1993, Time Out has served over 5,000 male and female victims of domestic abuse and their children, primarily residents of Payson or nearby Gila County communities. In addition to emergency shelter beds, Time Out also offers educational services, advocacy, therapeutic programs, specialized children’s services, lay legal advocacy, employment support, and transitional housing for long-term support.  The agency’s community-based program assists domestic violence victims who want help but prefer to remain living at home. Time Out’s Thrift Shop features gently used donated goods for resale and provides much needed revenue to support a portion of the agency’s operating costs.

For more information on domestic violence programs and services, contact Time Out, Inc. at 928-472-8007 or at www.timeoutshelter.org.  

About Time Out:  Time Out, a private non-profit agency founded in 1992, provides crisis intervention, community outreach/prevention programs, emergency shelter, supportive services, and transitional housing for adult victims of domestic violence and their children.  Services are available to Arizona residents, although Time Out also shelters women and children who derive from outside the state. Each year, Time Out improves the safety and well-being of more than 1,300 crisis hotline callers and over 450 abuse survivors.

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