Expanded Services Support Lander Survivors of Domestic Violence and Their Children

In Lander, survivors of domestic violence face significant barriers to rebuilding their lives, including lack of financial resources for individual therapy and insufficient support for their children who also experience trauma. Wyoming’s behavioral health Medicaid waiver can provide additional support for those fleeing domestic violence situations, but many survivors don’t know about this resource. When a community volunteer at the Refuge, a support group for survivors of domestic violence, recognized these gaps, he reached out to LOR. Working together, the Refuge and the Lander Free Medical Clinic wanted to create a sustainable framework for low-cost mental health care. This new collaboration will develop referral processes and potentially share copay costs, but survivors need immediate help while these systems take shape. LOR’s funding will help cover counseling session copays for approximately 50 sessions, launch a pilot children’s therapy program led by a licensed clinical social worker, provide childcare during support meetings, and bring expert speakers to address specific rebuilding needs. This comprehensive approach ensures vulnerable Lander residents can access mental health support without leaving the safety of their support network.