DIRECT SERVICES

Chaya recognizes the diversity of experience in South Asian communities and strives to work with each woman within her own cultural context. We offer information and help women explore their options in a confidential and supportive environment. We offer the following services:

• Toll-free helpline: Chaya staff and trained volunteers are available to offer support, referrals, information, safety planning and also, simply to listen, on our confidential help line.


• Direct Services: Chaya’s advocates assist clients with exploring options and in accessing a wide range of resources and services including obtaining protection orders, accompanying clients to meetings with lawyers, negotiating public assistance to searching for housing and assisting with job search.


• Referrals and information: We assist with referrals to appropriate shelters, medical clinics, counseling services, legal and immigration services, as well as South Asian service providers and organizations.


• Interpretation/Translation services: Chaya is able to provide interpretation and translation services for clients through its volunteer base and professionals. Languages include Hindi, Bangla, Farsi, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.


• Women's groups: Chaya offers support groups run by a trained facilitator where women come together to talk, learn from and support one another.

COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION & AWARENESS BUILDING

Chaya is committed to raising awareness of domestic violence issues through hosting workshops and forums, organizing cultural events, publishing articles in media and participating in community events. Chaya also actively represents the South Asian perspective on key women’s issues at the policy level.

• Culturally-specific trainings: Chaya conducts these trainings to help sensitize mainstream service providers, police departments and other justice department workers to the cultural, religious and linguistic issues specific to the South Asian community, thereby enhancing their ability to interact with the community and provide a more understanding environment for their services.


• Volunter trainings

Chaya works in partnership with domestic violence agencies, social services, law enforcement, justice department, and community based organizations to carry out its goals.