December 1, 2008

Guest: Rachel Mabrey, Volunteer and PR Coordinator of the Phoenix House
Featured Saint of the Day: Bl. John of Vercelli

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Rachel Mabrey, the Volunteer and PR Coordinator of the Phoenix House, a Catholic Charities outreach in Council Bluffs, IA. The Phoenix House is a woman's shelter geared toward those who have experienced domestic abuse. The Phoenix House holds eight women and their children at a time and serves the Council Bluffs area as well as some overflow from Nebraska. There are seven full-time staff at the Phoenix House as well as many volunteers who help them man their 24-hour crisis hotline.

When a woman comes to the Phoenix House, she is shown to her room and a basic assesment of the situation is taken, as far as what their immediate needs are. Generally, the woman will then sleep for 24 hours, now that they are in a safe environment. Once a woman has rested, she will work with Catholic Charities to form a plan, setting goals each week of her stay. The women attend classes during the week on parenting and personal economics as well as attending a support group along with the other women at the Phoenix House. Stays are started at thirty days, but are taken on a case-by-case basis. On average the women remain at the Phoenix House for three months.

The Phoenix House's business line is: 712-256-2059
To Volunteer call: 712-256-2059
Their Crisis Hotline is: 888-612-0266