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   About Us
 

Agency Overview

 

Shelter, Inc. began providing emergency shelter and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault within the city of Alpena, Michigan in 1977. Since its inception the agency’s service area as well as its array of services has broadened immensely to address a full spectrum of domestic violence and sexual assault survivor needs and social change endeavors. We have developed and implemented quality assurance policies and practices which access input from those we serve, the community at large, staff and referring agencies.

Our current primary service area encompasses the northeast Michigan counties of Alcona, Alpena, Iosco, Montmorency and Presque Isle. Additionally, survivors of personal violence seeking safe haven come to us from far reaching areas of our state, country and world.

Shelter, Inc.’s strategic plan identifies systems change/social reform and a renewed emphasis on the special needs of child victims as current areas of focus. The agency consistently holds to its philosophical ideals which focus on empowerment, self-determination, survivor safety and batterer accountability. Shelter, Inc. continues to foster relationships within the community and faith-based organizations to develop an understanding of the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence and the community’s responsibility to identify and implement changes that will benefit survivors.

Programs and Services

Shelter, Inc. is dedicated to assisting victims of abuse and their families in ending the violence and discrimination in their lives. All services provided by the agency are free of charge. Although emergency shelter and 24-hour crisis intervention services remain a major focus Shelter, Inc. also provides the following services:

  • Individual and group counseling
  • Legal and personal advocacy
  • Children’s programming
  • Long-term supportive housing assistance
  • Life skills management
  • Information and referrals
  • Food, clothing and household assistance
  • Community education/prevention services

Volunteer Services

Volunteer services are an integral component of Shelter, Inc.’s programs. The agency is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors consisting of community members from a wide variety of professions, a program participant and a student intern. The organization is also blessed with a dedicated troupe of volunteers who supplement such essential services as crisis counseling, personal advocacy and childcare. For more information regarding our volunteer services, please click here

Funding

Funding sources for Shelter, Inc. include state and federal grants, public and private foundations, community and faith-based organizations and private donors as well as proceeds from fundraising efforts and two thrift stores. For more information about making a tax deductible donation to Shelter, Inc. please go to Online Giving and Other Ways to Give. To learn more about our thrift stores click here.  

Staff

Our staff are dedicated to providing quality care to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We are committed to the philosophies of empowerment, liberation, self-determination and systems change. To speak with someone about our services or programs, please see our directory below for office and staff contact information.

 


Administrative Office

3022 US 23 South, Suite D                    Phone (989) 356-2560
P.O. Box 797                                        Fax     (989) 356-6659
Alpena, MI 49707

Sandra Pilgrim-Lewis, Executive Director       slewis@shelterincalpena.org

Susan Armstrong, Data Entry                              sarmstrong@shelterincalpena.org

Kendra Bartz, Employment/Life Skills Specialist      kbartz@shelterincalpena.org   

Regina Franklin, Support Services Coordinator       rfranklin@shelterincalpena.org 

Jim Gunderson, Counselor                                  jgunderson@shelterincalpena.org  

Sandi Johnson, Housing Advocate                       sjohnson@shelterincalpena.org

Maria Mills, Counselor                                         mmills@shelterincalpena.org

Mary Mischley, Rural Advocate                             mmischley@shelterincalpena.org

Judy Suszek, Financial Manager                            jsuszek@shelterincalpena.org


 
Alpena Downtown Office

P.O. Box 797                                          Phone (989) 356-6265
Alpena, MI 49707                                   
Fax     (989) 358-0109
               
                         Crisis (989) 356-9650   or   (800) 396-9129             

Val Williams, Legal Advocate                                vwilliams@shelterincalpena.org

Shirley Diemond, Volunteer Coordinator                sdiemond@shelterincalpena.org

Housing Advocates                                              alpenara's@shelterincalpena.org


 

Oscoda Facility
    
P.O. Box 658                                          Phone (989) 739-0144
Oscoda, MI 48750                                   Fax     (989) 739-1179

Pattie Clement-Colombo, Housing Advocate           pcolombo@shelterincalpena.org

Beverly Guregian, Team Leader/Volunteer Coord.   bguregian@shelterincalpena.org

Housing Advocates                                              oscodara's@shelterincalpena.org



Sexual Assault Response Center
 
Oscoda, MI 48750                                             Phone (989) 747-0119
 
Erin J. Grezeszak, Sexual Assault Advocate           egrezeszak@shelterincalpena.org
 

   
Atlanta Office
 
12515 Jerome Street                              Phone  (989) 464-1352
Atlanta, MI 49709                                  Fax      (989) 785-5390
 
 
Jennifer Baker, Victim Services Specialist              jbaker@shelterincalpena.org

 
Seconds on Third 
                                         
1096 W. Third Street                              Phone & Fax (989) 734-7306
Rogers City, MI 49779
 

Renee Roeske, Store Manager                  SecondsOnThird@shelterincalpena.org

Donna Dubbs, Store Assistant

Tammy Odle, Store Assistant

 
Second Chances 
                                          
4721 F-41                                             Phone (989) 739-7989
Oscoda, MI 48750                                  Fax     (989) 739-7986

Janice Wilber, Store Manager                     SecondChances@shelterincalpena.org

Janet Mezey, Store Assistant