La Casa de las Madres - San Francisco, California

Rose

Worst unhelpful Hotline crisis line I asked the woman a question regarding a minor and sexual assault and safety. She said this is the wrong Hotline we wouldn’t be able to help you with that. She didn’t even ask any questions to perhaps report to law-enforcement really strange. Today is New Year’s Eve 2:21 PM (12/31/2024)

B B.

Who ever is giving this place 5 stars is getting paid... STOP LYING.

As a first-generation immigrant woman and mother, I deeply understand the unique challenges women face in the United States, especially those related to domestic violence. With that in mind, I’d like to propose an idea that could significantly enhance the support available to survivors at La Casa de Las Madres and similar organizations.

Often, the focus on therapy and mental health treatment frames women in a bad light. To adress domestic violence with primarily psychological support gives victims the idea that it is —“in your head.” While well-intentioned, this perspective overlooks the broader systemic and practical challenges survivors face and can unintentionally reinforce the idea that the victim is somehow at fault.

Federal law, specifically the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), recognizes that domestic violence is not just an emotional issue but a crime that demands practical support, legal intervention, and empowerment. VAWA highlights the need for services that prioritize safety, legal advocacy, and tangible resources. By focusing primarily on emotional processing, providers inadvertently overlook critical areas such as legal assistance, housing support, and financial aid—resources that are crucial for helping survivors regain independence and safety.

In addition to emotional support, I believe the program could benefit from integrating more concrete, empowering actions for survivors. Here are a few specific suggestions I believe would be valuable:

1. Legal Resources and Referrals:
Offering legal search assistance, direct referrals to lawyers specializing in domestic violence cases, or providing legal aid services that help survivors navigate custody, restraining orders, and divorce proceedings. To this date La Casa has not been able to provide me with this.

2. “Field Trips or Self-Care Activities:** Organizing wellness events like “field trips” to spas or natural hotsprings, yoga, mindfulness and meditation sessions, or providing self-care kits with tips and resources to promote mental and physical well-being.

3. Community Organizing & Social Justice Engagement: Hosting workshops on community organizing, advocacy, and social justice, with a focus on women, families, and children. This could include initiatives centered around political education, transformative justice, and grassroots movements that empower survivors and their communities.

4. Survivor-Led Platforms: Creating a platform where survivors can share their stories, offer services, or provide mentorship. Inviting special guests, such as social workers, financial planners, or successful survivor entrepreneurs, to speak and provide resources.

5. Empowerment through Recovery, Entrepreneurship & Education: Providing connections to resources that help women get and stay safe, sober, start small businesses, return to school, access childcare, or find financial support for housing and basic needs.

6. Referrals for Childcare and Home Support: Ensuring that women have access to practical support for their families, such as financial assistance, referrals to childcare providers, home cleaning services, or emergency funds that can support their journey to independence.

These efforts would help build a more holistic approach that empowers clients to take active steps toward recovery and independence. Survivors would not only be supported emotionally but would also gain tangible tools and opportunities to rebuild their lives.

With this in mind, I’d like to suggest that La Casa integrate services and collaborate with the local government and law enforcement. Valuable insights into the societal and legal context of domestic violence can be found.

According to California Family Code § 6203, services for domestic violence victims must include not only emotional support but also legal, financial assistance, and access to safe housing options.

Jamila L.

I’m not satisfied. The Staff has been incredibly short, and rude on the phone. They advertise they have a crisis support line but get an attitude and tell you you have to come in person to receive services, when that line is advertised as and supposed to be for emergency support, crisis support and counseling. Just the same old story of a non profit further traumatizing the community they are supposed to help. And yes I’m Latina. They don’t seem to want to provide the services. The staff don’t seem trauma informed. I would not recommend. I feel like I was overlooked & dissatisfied the 3-4 times I called and realized they are playing games, wasting my time, not helping, not being helpful, etc.

Summer M.

I am beyond disappointed with this sham of a shelter. I've worked with other shelters before as a volunteer, and had high hopes for this one. I am devastated that ANYONE can try to represent victims and offer non existent help to these women in need. This place took it to the next level. Supporting the abusers, accepting money from them that never EVER went to any victims unless to give them nearly more unfit living conditions than they had the courage to run away from. Pathetic.

David T.

Be advised, when directed yourself through Google maps you will be shown the back entrance of this organization. So, make sure that you are not trying to enter on the Tehama street as shown on Google Maps.

Mn C.

I remember living here as a kid. This program was a life saver for my mom, brothers and I. When I was 8 or 9 they arranged for our family to move to Los Angeles to start a new life at another DV Shelter. This was nearly 20 years ago. If it weren't for this program and similar programs, we wouldn't have had the opportunity so have a start fresh. I remember the staff being to compassionate and caring. They really went above and beyond for our family.

Ana M. S.

Extremely professional but primarily what I enjoyed was their empathic nature. They are a very caring staff, root you on, genuinely concern themselves with your well being but also demand of you to be accountable and meet them halfway. Absolutely great organization!

Taci

I was treated with little to no respect when trying to find resources, was not listen to. Equality and respect definitely not a thing here . It saddens me that you can call ,be brave enough to take the next step forward, and be degraded . Please do better , please have people on the phones who listen and actually care to help.please get your staff trauma informed. FIX THIS !