AVENUES Announces Temporary Shelter Closure and Leadership Transition

AVENUES for Northeast Missouri has announced the temporary closure of its emergency shelter due to health and safety concerns that no longer meet the standards survivors of domestic and sexual violence deserve.

"We do not make this decision lightly," said Board President Shannon Arnold. "But client care, safety, and dignity must always come first. We are committed to providing services that reflect the highest standards of trauma-informed care."

Outreach services, including advocacy, legal referrals, support groups, and crisis response, will continue uninterrupted across AVENUES' 11-county service area.

The Board has appointed Maggie Strong as Interim Executive Director to guide the organization through this transition and lay the groundwork for reopening the shelter in a new, improved location.

"This moment allows us to recommit to AVENUES' mission with clarity, compassion, and urgency," said Strong. "We will move forward with a renewed sense of purpose to ensure survivors have access to safe, dignified support."

AVENUES (Abuse Victim Education Network Unified to Ensure Safety) is a nonprofit organization serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence across 11 counties in Northeast Missouri. Since 1989, AVENUES has provided critical support through 24-hour crisis intervention, advocacy, case management, legal assistance, support groups, and community education. Our mission is to provide support, security, and awareness for victims through their journey to achieve a stable future.

AVENUES remains committed to creating a safer, more compassionate region by offering trauma-informed services that empower survivors and promote long-term healing.

For more information, visit www.avenueshelp.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or sexual violence, help is available. Call the AVENUES 24-hour confidential hotline at (833) 243-6366 to speak with a trained advocate. 
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