Since 1982, the Caring House has offered support and services for survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking, along with child victims of severe physical abuse. From left are Earlene Rex, executive assistant; Selena Gonzalez, outreach coordinator; and Trisha Johnson, program director. (Iron Mountain Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Domestic violence can affect anyone at any time. For this reason, the Caring House continues to educate and raise awareness year-round to help break the chains of violence within the community.

“We want to remind victims we are here to assist them,” said Earlene Rex, Caring House executive assistant. “We also want to let them know they aren’t alone in their journey.”

For more than four decades, the center has provided a variety of supportive services for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

Each year, they handle an average of 600 clients — 300 adults and 300 children.

Rex notes that includes male survivors.

Caring House aims to help those affected by domestic, sexual abuse

“Many people are surprised to hear how many female perpetrators are out there,” added Marti Swisher, who has been a Caring House victims advocate for 30 years.

Swisher said they see more clients today than they did 15 years ago, but she attributes that to community awareness.

“I don’t think domestic violence has increased — it has always been there. Now people know where to go for help,” she said.

When she started in 1995, the topic of domestic violence was “hushed” and shelters hid from plain sight, Swisher explained.

“It’s being talked about more — even in the schools,” Rex said.

With new security systems now in place and other precautions, they no longer have the constant worry about the safety of clients or staff. Safe shelter can be given to those fleeing from a domestic violence or sexual assault situation in fear for their life, she said.

Victims have 24/7 access to the center’s crisis phone line, which can require contacting local law enforcement, which Rex credited along with governing agencies for providing needed support and assistance over the years.

The Caring House has seven separate studio-type apartments with access to a larger common living space, along with laundry.

They have one room that is handicap accessible.

“We also have a separate room designed for male clients,” Rex added.

The Caring House has no set timeline for individuals or families to find their own permanent residence. “It’s on a case-by-case basis,” Rex said.

They also work closely with other community resources for housing and food, including Michigan State Housing Development Authority and Dickinson Iron Community Services Agency.

In addition to the shelter, the Caring House provides a long list of services.

Survivors can take part in individual and/or group counseling sessions.

“Our trained advocates will teach them self-worth, independence, safety, etc., so they are able to continue living a violence-free life,” Rex said.

Each client decides what they want to work on, Swisher added, as staff are available to help and guide them.

Advocates can assist with legal aid resources as well. “Many times they will accompany the client to those appointments or court,” Swisher said. “Just having someone there that believes in them is huge.”

Treatment options are available, too, for clients dealing with substance or alcohol abuse. “Unfortunately, for many individuals it’s a way to cope and get them through their current situation,” Rex said.

The center also has several programs for children and teens who are domestic violence or sexual assault survivors themselves or witnesses to the abuse.

The Caring House has continued to grow its services since forming in 1982, including the addition of its Child Advocacy Center, forensic program, Sexual Assault Response Team and Crisis Response Team.

The Caring House has been able to do this with the help of grants and the funding now available, Rex said.

All services are confidential and free of charge. They note that clients don’t need to live at the shelter to use their services.

Wendy Middaugh took over as executive director in April 2024, after retiring earlier that year as director of victim services for the Hannahville Indian Community. She had come to the Upper Peninsula in 2017 to help set up the Delta Regional Child Advocacy Center in Escanaba.

Joining her as new employees are Rex and program director Trisha Johnson.

The Caring House currently has 14 members on staff, along with a number of volunteers who assist in duties.

They always welcome donations of household and hygiene products, as well as diapers and wipes. As they are in the process of spring cleaning and reorganizing, they ask that the community hold off on clothing and toy items.

The Caring House crisis line is 906-774-1112. Individuals can also walk in the shelter at 1305 Prospect Ave., in Iron Mountain, during regular business hours.

“I encourage everyone that’s in an abusive relationship to take that first step and reach out to help,” Rex said. “We are here to walk with them.”