| Alternative Horizons (AH) is a grassroots organization started in 1978 by a handful of women who believed that no one had a right to beat another human being. In the beginning these women volunteered as both members of the Board of Directors and peer-counselors on the 24-hour hotline. In addition to the hotline, AH also offered a network of volunteer safe homes for stays of up to three nights. These services were available to residents of La Plata and San Juan Counties in southwest Colorado. One of the first goals of AH was to open a permanent shelter for women who were being abused and their children. During the early 1980’s, AH worked closely with Volunteers of America (VOA) in Denver to make this goal a reality. In June of 1985 the Southwest Safehouse opened its doors and the two organizations have worked to offer the community a complete range of domestic violence services ever since. AH is involved in the following local coalitions: The Violence Prevention Coalition (VPC) is the coordinating council for the 6th Judicial District, which began in 1987. The VPC works to eliminate interpersonal violence by coordinating the different agencies within the criminal justice system, as well as the participating non-profit organizations outside the system, thus ensuring that there is no duplication of services in the community. The La Plata Unity Coalition (LPUC) began in 2001 and addresses the needs of minorities. In 2005, The LPUC sponsored a community forum on law enforcement and minorities and co-sponsored another one in January 2006 that focused on identifying needs in the minority communities that currently are not being met. AH is also a member of the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
|
| To contact us: Ofecina: 970-247-4374 La Linea 970-247-9619 |
| Alternative Horizons History |
