We have developed great relationships with law enforcement agencies such as the Reno and Sparks Police Departments and the regional Street Enforcement Team (SET); community-based agencies including local hospitals and schools; and other non-profit agencies. These organizations serve as excellent referral sources for Awaken. In addition, we also get referrals from current program participants who share about Awaken with their peers.

We have found that some of the greatest needs are met through therapy (both group and individual), life skills classes, mentorship, exercise, dietary guidance, religious activities/community (if requested), and healthy relationship building events.

The initial meeting with a prospective program participant typically includes a standard intake assessment. Often, though not always, this is followed by the assignment of the participant to a case manager. The case manager helps the program participant set, monitor, and achieve individualized goals. They also help the participants access other services provided by Awaken and community organizations such as therapy, workshops, mentoring, family support, the Awaken Drop-In Center, assistance with employment, and more.

Services are delivered with victim safety and program participant confidentiality as a primary concern. One of the first documents that our program participants sign is the confidentiality waiver. This document goes into depth regarding what their right to confidentiality is and in what ways, if any, they can choose to waive that right. When collaborating with another organization, we ensure a release of information is signed by the program participants. This allows us to share information a program participant deems beneficial for their services. In addition, staff members, mentors, and interns receive annual training on the importance of and restrictions on confidentiality. All staff, mentors, interns and volunteers agree to uphold Awaken’s confidentiality policy.

Any sort of vulnerability creates a target, whether relational, financial, emotional, etc. To get an idea of more specific flags, see our page, How to Spot a Victim.