Our Services

HOW DOES A BETTER WAY
HELP SURVIVORS?

MUNCIE OFFICE

765-747-9107

RICHMOND OFFICE

765-966-0538

CRISIS SUPPORT

765-288-HELP

SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE

CALL 988

A Better Way provides domestic violence and sexual assault services to Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Jay, Randolph, Union, and Wayne Counties.

SAFE SHELTER

This program is funded in part by the City of Muncie’s Community Development Block Grant thru HUD.

A Better Way was created to offer safety to those who can no longer find it in their own homes.

We provide safe shelter 24/7 to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and their children. Here, they can stay for up to 45 days while they focus on healing and setting goals that will lead them toward more peaceful, stable lives. Our shelter is a secure and welcoming space, able to accommodate up to 25 individuals, ensuring everyone has the support they need during this difficult time.

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Essential Transportation
For our residential clients, we provide transportation as needed to help them reach their goals in key areas such as counseling, court or legal matters, financial planning, housing, medical appointments, work, and school. We’re here to make sure they have the support they need to move forward in their journey.

Case Management
Our individualized case management services ensure that every client receives personalized guidance. We use the family development matrix to assess each family’s unique needs and set meaningful goals, helping them take steady steps toward stability and empowerment.

Domestic Violence + Sexual Assault Education
We offer a range of educational resources for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, using support groups, one-on-one counseling, and ongoing discussions. Topics include parenting, child abuse, power and control, types of abuse, rape, consent, and self-esteem, among others. Through these conversations, we aim to empower survivors with the knowledge they need to heal and reclaim their strength. We also provide education to churches, civic groups, and schools to strengthen community support systems.

Financial Independence Education
With support from the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse and the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, we are committed to helping survivors achieve long-term safety and security through financial empowerment. Through the FISCAL project, we work closely with survivors, addressing financial abuse and helping them set small, manageable goals for a more stable future.

Information + Referral
We connect our clients with valuable community resources, offering information on transitional housing, employment opportunities, food stamps, TANF, WIC, and more.

We also provide community resources through FindHelp.org.

RAPE CRISIS CENTER

Made possible by Indiana Criminal Justice Institute & Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault

A Better Way’s rape crisis center is open 24/7 to survivors of rape or sexual assault seeking services. We provide confidential crisis counseling, safety planning, information & referral, emotional support, protective order assistance, legal advocacy, and sexual assault education.

SART (Sexual Assault Response Team)

A Better Way is a proud member of the Delaware County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). Our dedicated advocates are there for survivors from the very first moment, responding to hospital calls and providing support throughout the entire process. We stand by survivors during the forensic medical exam and continue to offer care through every step that follows.

Legal Resources

Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, but our advocates are here to help. We provide crucial support to survivors, including accompaniment to court, assistance with protective orders, education on legal rights, and guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring no one faces it alone.

Emotional Support

We offer compassionate care through our personalized counseling services. Our professional counselors provide emotional and behavioral support, starting with comprehensive assessments and one-on-one counseling. When needed, we also connect survivors to higher levels of integrated care to support their ongoing healing journey.

This project was supported by subgrant No. SASP – 6226, STOP – 6227 awarded by the state administering office for the STOP Formula Grant Program/SAS Formula Grant Program. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the state or the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

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SUPPORT GROUP

We offer support groups twice a week in safe, welcoming locations where survivors at different stages of their healing journey come together to share, listen, and support one another. These discussions are guided with care and respect, creating a comfortable space for everyone.

Our groups meet on Monday evenings and Wednesday afternoons for the Parenting Group, except on holidays. Each session is facilitated by a dedicated victim advocate or a sexual assault counselor who is there to guide the conversation with compassion and understanding.

Together, we explore important topics like domestic violence, sexual assault, life skills, building support systems, and empowerment. Our goal is to support survivors in their healing while empowering them with the knowledge to move forward toward a path to peace. We provide education on subjects such as recognizing the traits of abusive relationships, creating safety plans, identifying red flags, and fostering self-awareness.

To further support our members, we also offer a small meal during each group session.

CRISIS HOTLINES

In partnership with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the Division of Mental Health and Addiction and accredited by The International Council for Helplines.

Crisis Support Line: 765-288-HELP (Available 24/7): If you or someone you care about is facing domestic violence, sexual assault, thoughts of suicide, depression, loneliness, addiction, or simply needs someone to talk to—we’re here for you. No matter the time, day or night, you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to us for support.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Available 24/7): In partnership with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, A Better Way offers 24/7 support for anyone in Indiana experiencing suicidal thoughts or any type of crisis. Our staff is trained and certified in safeTALK and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), providing compassionate care when you need it most.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

At A Better Way, we offer a range of children’s programs designed to support families who seek our services.

Child Assessments: We conduct assessments for every child, ages 5 and up, focusing on their family history, relationships, and any medical or safety needs they may have. This helps us provide the most appropriate care and guidance for each child.
Children’s Group: During adult support group sessions, we offer a children’s group that provides age-appropriate activities. These sessions help children and youth better understand their home situations while showing them positive, healthy paths for the future.
Family Fun Night: Every Friday evening, we host Family Fun Night for families staying in our shelter. This is a time for families to relax and enjoy activities together, such as arts and crafts, movie nights, and character-building exercises, all aimed at creating joyful and meaningful experiences.
Parenting Classes: On Wednesday afternoons, we offer parenting classes to strengthen family bonds and provide parents with tools that promote healthy development and supportive family environments.

LEGAL ADVOCACY

We are here to assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. You don’t need to go it alone. Advocacy is available every step of the way, from assistance in obtaining a protective order to accompanying you to court.

Accompaniment to Court
Obtaining Protective Orders
Legal Rights Education
Preparation for Testimony
Assistance Throughout the Legal Process

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

Passage Way is a transitional housing project designed to provide survivors of domestic violence and their children with a safe and supportive space after leaving A Better Way. Here, they will have the time and stability they need to rebuild their lives and find security, peace, and hope for the future.

At Passage Way, we offer guidance and support to help residents on their journey to self-sufficiency, but we also encourage active participation in programs that promote personal growth and long-term success. Children are included in these programs, ensuring that every member of the family is cared for and supported.

While staying with us, residents will have the chance to learn essential life skills like homemaking, budgeting, decision-making, and more, preparing them for success beyond the program. Their children will receive guidance to help them manage their emotions, resolve conflicts peacefully, and improve their social and academic skills, giving them a stronger foundation for the future.

For those committed to making positive changes and working toward a better life, Passage Way offers a meaningful opportunity to achieve lasting success and independence.

COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS

A Better Way provides Community Awareness Presentations to philanthropic groups, church groups, schools and other service providers upon request.

Topics for presentations:

Domestic Violence 101
Primary Prevention
Teen Dating Violence
Sexual Assault
Suicide
Bullying
Healthy Relationships
Body Safety

TELECARE SERVICE

Telecare, supported by LifeStream Services, is a service through which A Better Way makes daily calls to older, disabled, or homebound adults. We offer a friendly voice to help brighten our clients’ days, as well as comfort in knowing that someone is checking in on them. Telecare provides comfort and joy not only to those being called, but also to their loved ones, knowing that someone is checking in each day. Our Crisis Support Line is accredited by The International Council for Helplines