Our Mission
The mission of Shalom Task Force, Inc (STF) is to combat and prevent domestic violence and foster healthy and safe relationships and families. STF focuses its work in the Jewish community, to help those that may not have access to traditional services and need culturally sensitive programming. Shalom Task Force believes everyone has the right to be safe in their relationship and family. They support this statement by:
1) Helping individuals and families access services through our free anonymous and confidential hotline.
2) Assisting through legal services and other direct services including, but not limited to, supportive counseling and information as well as referrals.
3) Offering prevention and psycho-educational workshops, professional trainings and community programs to increase awareness of relationship abuse and promote healthy relationships.
OUR STORY
In 1992, a pediatrician in New York approached several members of the community to discuss a problem he was seeing repeatedly in his practice: Jewish women and children with bruises and other clear signs of domestic abuse. Alarmed by this, a small group of concerned women came together in an effort to address this uncomfortable and unspoken reality. By the end of this meeting, Shalom Task Force was born.
DEPARTMENTS
Confidential and Anonymous Hotline
The Shalom Task Force Confidential Hotline is a lifeline to victims of domestic abuse and their families - as the place to be heard and helped. Highly trained advocates help callers and address concerns about relationships, dating, safety planning, and provide referrals to local resources. They provide a listening ear, and referrals, including legal advice, counseling, and shelters. Our hotline assists callers from all over the United States, Israel, and throughout the world.
STF Legal Services
Shalom Task Force’s Legal Department provides free, confidential legal services to victim-survivors of domestic and dating abuse, specializing in the Jewish community. STF Legal Department empowers victim-survivors through comprehensive, culturally responsive, compassionate and effective legal assistance. They provide ongoing case assistance, extensive safety planning and referrals for social services, mental and medical health, public benefits, tax issues, housing and immigration. Attorneys also assist clients through the Beit Din Jewish court system.
STF Legal Department provides services to anyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or immigration status.
Education Department
Shalom Task Force’s Education Department raises vital awareness throughout the community around building and sustaining healthy relationships. Its innovative programs teach individuals to identify patterns and dynamics involved in healthy dating, domestic abuse,sexual assault, technology safety and how to access support. Workshops are facilitated at high schools, gap-year programs, universities, community-based programs and partner agencies. To promote a wraparound model of support and empowerment, extensive training programs are provided to clergy, community leaders, parents, school-based staff, mental health professionals and first responders. As the specialist in working with Jewish and immigrant communities, our educational programs are uniquely crafted to cater to the needs of members of this target population. Through significant data collection and program evaluation, the education departments’ work reflects transformative community impact.
S.H.A.L.O.M. Workshop
The S.H.A.L.O.M. Workshop is an evidence-based program, based on the PAIRS model, that prepares couples for a healthy and successful marriage. Thousands of engaged, newly married and not-so-newly married couples have attended this innovative workshop. 91% of its participants report that they feel empowered to build and maintain healthy relationships with their spouse. This program is endorsed by prominent Rabbonim and professionals. Topics addressed are, increasing understanding and sensitivity to each other’s feelings, building a sense of mutual respect and utilizing skills for conflict resolution. Participants gain valuable conversation tools and techniques they can take home with them and use consistently to continue building and strengthening the most important relationship in their lives.