About Us
Mission
The Elizabeth Stone House is committed to countering the effects of trauma and breaking the cycles of violence and abuse—one family at a time. Through residential and community support services, the Stone House helps families heal and women reclaim control over their lives.
The Elizabeth Stone House Philosophy
The Elizabeth Stone House believes that violence against women and children can have devastating effects on mental health and self-esteem. Addiction and mental health issues can be coping mechanisms that develop from experiencing trauma and services that address recovery and healing must recognize the relationship these issues have with one another. The Stone House specializes in working with survivors of abuse and violence who suffer from additional mental health and substance abuse problems.
Simply providing a safe space is not enough to address the origin of the struggles that afflict women and children who are survivors of abuse and trauma. The Stone House works in partnership with women to develop practical, step-by-step goals that tackle the complexity of issues that each is facing.
The Elizabeth Stone House is dedicated to providing services that are comprehensive, multi-cultural, and humanistic and respect the dignity of each individual and family. The Stone House honors independence and knows that what works for one person may not work for another. The Stone House builds on the strengths of each individual and family and celebrates milestones and accomplishments on their road to self-determination and healing.
The Elizabeth Stone House believes that by helping one another, women can overcome obstacles that may seem insurmountable to each one individually. Peer support is one of the most effective ways to make and maintain changes in individuals, families, and communities, and is the foundation of the Stone House philosophy.
The Elizabeth Stone House believes in a world where:
-
All people are safe from violence and abuse within their homes and communities;
-
Relationships are founded on respect and love;
-
The wellbeing of women is equally recognized by all parts of society, including women themselves;
-
All children truly experience what it’s like to be a child in a nurturing home;
-
Families have the opportunity to stay together and when they are in need, they find the resources and support systems that work for them; and
-
Communities recognize and embrace empowerment and all people are free from the effects of social injustice.
ESH Facts
The Elizabeth Stone House helps women and families rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse and other forms of trauma. The Stone House provides residential and non-residential programs, as well as an emergency shelter for those who are in immediate need.
The Stone House’s residential programs include a three-month Battered Women’s Program, a Therapeutic Community, and an 18-month Transitional Housing Program. Additionally, the Stone House provides a number of community support groups and personal economic development programs.
The Elizabeth Stone House was founded in 1974 and is located in Roxbury, MA. Primarily, the Stone House serves women and families from the Roxbury, Dorchester, and Jamaica Plain areas.
In fiscal year 2009, the Stone House served 60 women and 67 children through its emergency shelter and Transitional Housing Program. An additional 241 men and women from the surrounding community were served during that time through the Stone House’s community support groups and programs.
In addition to its residential programs, the Elizabeth Stone House provides a number of community support programs to women, men and children from the surrounding greater Boston area. In fiscal year 2009, the Stone House increased the number of people it served from the surrounding neighborhoods by 58%.
Funding for the Elizabeth Stone House is received through government, corporations, and foundations grants, as well as individual donations and the annual Wilderness Heals pledge hike.