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Click HERE to register for Alternatives Orientation online.

Alternatives Program Background

The Vera House Alternatives Program started in 1989 to provide a forum for men to learn:

  • that men have no right to control their partner 
  • that each person is completely responsible for his/her own behavior 
  • what domestic violence is and how it impacts the victim and children

Alternatives Program Principles

  • People can act non-violently in relationships. We can build healthy, respectful relationships.
  • Domestic violence or abuse is wrong. It is a crime. No one deserves to be abused. 
  • Abuse may be learned. However, it is always a conscious choice.
  • Traditionally, men have had power over women in our society. Violence and abuse have, unfortunately, been effective means to maintain this injustice.
  • Abuse is used to control one's partner. 
  • Only the person who commits the violence can stop it. Reasons like “I lost control,” “she/he provoked me” or ”I was drunk“ are excuses to avoid responsibility. 
  • Domestic abuse is not ”mental illness.” Men learn to be violent from social messages, peer encouragement and family role models. 
  • Accepting responsibility for one's actions is the first step to change. 

WHAT is Alternatives?

Alternatives is a 15-class program with weekly classes (1.5 hours). Review our Alternatives Program flyer for more information.

Attending Alternatives in no way ensures that the person will stop their abuse or violence. 

WHEN is Alternatives?

Orientations are held the first and third Wednesday of each month at 5:15 PM.  Click HERE to register for orientation online.

Weekly classes are held at various days and times.

2024 Alternatives Orientation Dates - Mens Group @5:15pm

  • Jan. 3rd and 17th
  • Feb. 7th and 21st
  • Mar. 6th and 20th
  • Apr. 3rd and 20th
  • May 1st and 15th
  • Jun. 5th and 19th
  • July 3rd and 17th
  • August 7th and 21st
  • September 4th and 18th
  • Oct 2nd and 16th
  • Nov 6th and 20th
  • Dec 4th and 18th

*Program closed from December 23rd, 2024 - January 6th, 2025

WHERE is Alternatives?

Classes are located at 449 E. Washington Street (corner of Townsend).

Program Cost?

Fees are on a sliding scale as follows:

Homeless/Residential Facility

 $0
CPS $1
Unemployed With Residence  $10
Employed Part-Time $20
Employed Full-Time  $30

For More Information 

Please click HERE to email the Alternatives Program Coordinator or call (315) 425-0818.

STEPS PROGRAM 

Steps Program image

Click HERE to register for STEPS Orientation online.


What is STEPS?

STEPS is a domestic violence education program designed to challenge the beliefs and attitudes of women who have been abusive to their partners or ex-partners. STEPS work closely with the criminal justice system, advocating that women be held accountable for their abusive behavior. Attending STEPS in no way ensures that a person will stop their abuse and violence. 

STEPS is a 15-class program with weekly classes (1.5 hours). Review our STEPS Program flyer for more information. 

Where is STEPS?

STEPS classes are located at 449 E. Washington Street (corner of Townsend).

STEPS Orientation:

Orientation sessions are held the first and third Monday of each month from 4:30 — 5:30 PM. To participate in the STEPS program, email the Program Coordinator to schedule your initial orientation. On the date of your STEPS orientation, please arrive no later than 4:15 PM with your orientation fee (see chart below). Fees are on a sliding scale as follows:

Homeless/Residential Facility $0
CPS $1
Unemployed With Residence  $10
Employed Part-Time $20
Employed Full-Time  $30

When is STEPS?

STEPS classes are held on Mondays from 5:30 — 7:00 PM

2024 STEPS Orientation Dates - Womens Group @4:30pm

  • Jan 8th (no group Jan 15th, MLK day)
  • Feb 5th  (no group Feb 19th, Presidents Day)
  • March 4th and 18th
  • Apr 1st and 15th
  • May 6th and 20th
  • June 3rd and 17th
  • July 1st and 15h
  • Aug 5th and 19th
  • September 16th (no group Sept 2nd, Labor Day)
  • Oct 7th and 21st
  • Nov 4th and 18th
  • Dec 2nd and 16th

*Program closed from December 23rd, 2024 - January 6th, 2025

For More Information:

Please click HERE to email the STEPS Program Coordinator or call (315) 425-0818. 

To learn more about Vera House's Alternatives and STEPS Programs, please see our 2020 Annual Report.

 

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Vera House is committed to ensuring our programs and services are welcoming to everyone. If you need assistance to ensure our services meet your needs, please call us at 315-425-0818 or click HERE to send an e-mail.