A New Refuge Offers A Safe Place for Lander Residents Experiencing Domestic Violence

Lander residents experiencing domestic violence don’t have many options for a safe, longterm place to stay. Riverton once had an emergency shelter but it had to be torn down due to severe damage. The Fremont County Alliance Against Domestic Violence supports residents in emergency situations with stays at hotels—but only for a few nights. Recognizing this gap, two Lander community volunteers came up with an solution: the Wind River Refuge. Located on five quiet acres on the Wind River Reservation—but open to all Fremont County residents—the refuge, they imagined, would be a place where up to 16 women and children could go for several months (from 60 days up to a year) to receive care while they get back on their feet. They just needed a little help with some initial equipment to launch the refuge, so the women reached out to LOR. LOR’s funding will help support the purchase of security equipment (lights, alarms, etc.) and special computer software to help with victims advocacy case management.