About The River Valley Shelter
Our Story
Founded in 1984 by a group of community members, The River Valley Shelter has expanded many of its services and programs. Our programs include a 24-hour crisis hotline, an emergency shelter, legal services, support groups, counseling, and housing assistance programs. All services are confidential and free of charge for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Each year, The River Valley Shelter supports many individuals from Arkansas and beyond during their journey to a violence-free life.
Our Mission
The River Valley Shelter for Battered Women and Children, Inc. (RVSBWC) is dedicated to the empowerment of victims of domestic violence and their children and is committed to the elimination of personal and societal violence in the lives of all people.
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The RVSBWC, Inc. believes that intimate partner violence (mental, physical, sexual and/or verbal) is the use of force or threat to achieve and maintain power and control over them in personal relationships. The RVSBWC, Inc. recognizes that the acceptance of the abuse of power in society fosters intimate partner violence by perpetuating conditions that condone violence. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate both personal and societal violence.
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Shelter services are available to any victim in need of assistance, without regard to sex, race, age, religion, economic status or disability. Shelter services are always free of charge and provided to all victims. The RVSBWC, Inc. has a goal to provide options to all victims. We believe that Having Options Promotes Empowerment (H.O.P.E.).
Our Impact
At The River Valley Shelter, we are committed to supporting survivors of intimate partner violence throughout the state of Arkansas. In 2022, we:
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We provided Emergency Housing for over 350 individuals, totaling 4745 bed nights in our emergency shelter.
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Helped 134 Individuals with our Transitional Housing Program.
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We provided over 14,000 meals to families in our shelter.
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We have partnered with the Russellville Police Department to provide in-house advocacy at the station. Our licensed social worker has an office in the station and is client-centered. This support provided by our advocate has increased the application and follow-through for protection orders by 40%.
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Over 70% of our survivors served self-identified as having a disability.
