Programs & Services

 Since MUJER first opened its doors in 1997, it has successfully implemented more than 10 different programs to serve the target community. These programs were developed as part of a holistic approach to protect the safety and well-being of at-risk women and children, and to preserve and strengthen families:

One-Stop Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (DV and SA) Center:  Three (3) key agencies are sited at the Center, providing accessible, comprehensive services for DV and SA victims in one location: MUJER (client advocacy; DV and SA  prevention/intervention; individual/group counseling for adults and children; 24/7 Sexual Assault Hotline); Legal Aid of South Florida (legal assistance, injunctions, custody, courtroom support); and The Journey Institute (individual/group counseling for adult sexual abuse victims). The Center also incorporates a referral network where 25 community-based agencies and the social service providers participate in a continuum of care for victims and families.

Sexual Violence Prevention and Intervention Program: This program consists of: 1.) Community Outreach and Education to prevent sexual violence targeting students in middle and high school, and adults; and 2) SA Intervention where a full-time client advocate provides services to any SA victim 12 years of age or older. MUJER is a provisionally certified Rape Crisis Center by the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, through which on-call volunteers respond to SA calls from specified areas in Miami-Dade County. MUJER also participates in the Florida Statewide Rape Hotline, where two on-call advocates respond to Spanish-speaking callers. All SA staff and volunteers receive certified SA training to work with rape victims.

HIV/AIDS Prevention and Intervention Program: This program was developed to reduce the high rates of infection among Hispanic Heterosexuals. Our program entail: outreach services; commuity mobilization and risk-reduction counseling.

Emergency Assistance: For victims and families at the poverty level, emergency aid during crisis IS a lifeline. MUJER has three means of distributing emergency aid: FEMA Emergency Food and Services Program funds  *approximately $20,000 each year to provide food vouchers, shelter, rent and utility assistance to low-income families; Emergency Assistance: MUJER has received supplemental funding every year from the Sunbeam Corporation; Jardon Solutions to assist victim's needs not covered by FEMA funds.

OTHER SUPPORTIVE SERVICES:

Farmworker Disaster Relief Services:  MUJER serves as a coordinating entity to distribute emergency aid when harsh weather (hurricanes, freezes) impacts crops and the livelihoods of families. In 2005/2006, a total of $180,000 in Disaster Relief was provided to individuals severely impacted by a destructive hurricane season that produced Wilma and Katrina.

Community Health Fairs: MUJER holds two annual events in the community each year: Back-to-School Health Fair; and Easter Health Fair, with approximately 600-900 in attendance at each event.  In addition, we continuouly particiation in other local events such as the Bi-National Health Fair hosted by the Mexican Consulate in 2005.  A total of 16 agencies participated in this event to educate the Mexican and general Hispanic community on services available to them. Union Positiva, a MUJER partner agency, conducted a total of 50 HIV rapid tests at the event.