One of the essential elements of the WCA’s mission statement is freedom through advocacy, collaboration and competence; all important elements that underscore the agency’s commitment to its clients. Advocacy is no more apparent than through the WCA’s service to victims through civil legal assistance, safety planning and assistance with civil protection orders. Advocates provide court accompaniment, offer victims information, emotional support and help to find resources and aid in filling out paperwork. Advocates collaborate throughout the community in order to link clients to resources in order to address immediate needs, and then to find services for secondary issues. Collaboration has a beneficial impact resulting in less duplication and overlap of services, in addition to more efficient and effective services. Freedom may also be achieved through the competence of a trauma-informed, client centered, staff who understand the presenting issues, offer information about options available and support victims’ decision-making. Freedom allows an individual the opportunity to thrive in an environment in which they feel valued, safe and ready to meet the challenges of a life yet not fully discovered.
