Located in Lake Charles, La., Calcasieu Women's Shelter is a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of services. The organization offers 24-hour information and crisis support for survivors, their families and friends. It provides individual and group counseling sessions for adults, children and adolescents who are survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Calcasieu Women's Shelter offers restraining orders, as well as court accompaniment, information, referral and support services. The organization conducts several community education and training presentations for schools, churches, civic organizations, universities, businesses and various other groups. In addition, it supports an educational program for women affected by domestic violence, which includes resume writing, interviewing techniques and assistance with the completion of job applications.
Gulf Coast Teaching Family Services, also known as GCTFS, is a private, nonprofit corporation that serves children with physical and mental challenges. Founded in 1983, it offers supportive living, crisis intervention and family preservation services. The corporation provides an independent living skills and education and training voucher programs. Gulf Coast Teaching Family Services also conducts a day habilitation program for adults with physical and mental disabilities to develop social talents through daily activities. It operates an activity center that emphasizes the physical, mental and emotional development of people. Gulf Coast Teaching Family Services additionally provides evaluation, post-acute medical care and medication services for people with traumatic head and spinal cord injuries throughout Louisiana.
