Alaafia Initiative
Alaafia Initiative provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and disability-inclusive services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, with particular attention to Sickle Cell, African communities and other underserved and vulnerable populations.
Through virtual, in-person, and community-based services, we help survivors access safety, healthcare, legal assistance, housing, transportation, social services, and other essential resources. Alaafia serves as a trusted bridge between survivors and hospitals, shelters, law enforcement, government agencies, legal systems, victim service organizations, and community providers.
Our Services
- 24-hour crisis support by call, text, and chat
- Crisis intervention and individualized safety planning
- Domestic and sexual violence advocacy
- Emergency transportation and basic needs assistance
- Emergency housing and shelter navigation
- Legal and court advocacy
- Medical advocacy, hospital accompaniment, and healthcare navigation
- Law enforcement and victim compensation navigation
- Social services and public benefits navigation
- Culturally responsive mental health support and referrals
- Survivor support groups
- Mobile and community-based advocacy
- Community education and violence prevention
- Professional training and technical assistance
A Culturally Responsive Approach
We understand that culture, language, disability, immigration experiences, faith, family dynamics, and unfamiliarity with service systems can create additional barriers for survivors seeking help.
This project focuses on bridging these gaps by helping survivors understand their options, communicate with providers, navigate complex systems, and access services in ways that respect their culture, dignity, choices, and individual needs.
Safety. Healing. Stability. Independence.
Our goal is not only to respond to immediate crises, but also to help survivors build pathways toward long-term safety, healing, stability, independence, and well-being.
You are not alone. Support is available.