Providence Oregon offers mental health services for women in need

The common shared space at Rose Haven in Portland, where women can go for shelter, food, clothing and safety, while also receiving physical and mental health support and services.

Rose Haven is celebrating its 25th year of compassionate service as the only day shelter for women in Portland. Its holistic approach includes meeting basic needs for food, clothing and safety, while providing support for long-term empowerment through education, connection, practical help and emotional support.

The core work is centered around the Mental Health Advocacy Program, which helps people navigate social service programs and resources to address their individual needs. Over the last five years, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rose Haven has been seeing more guests presenting with mental health trauma. 

“I didn’t have a plan, and they held my hand, and they gave me hope,” said Dorothy Jolene Pepper, a Rose Haven client.

Providence Oregon has committed two years of community benefit investment to help develop and refine Rose Haven’s mental health advocacy program by offering accessible mental health services to women experiencing poverty and intersecting traumas. 

“This program simply wouldn’t be in place if it weren’t for Providence, and we’re just incredibly grateful,” said Katie O’Brien, Rose Haven executive director. 

One key takeaway from year one was the need for additional crisis intervention and de-escalation training, which will be more prominent in year two. Additionally, new group therapy topics are focusing on managing grief, overcoming trauma and building resilience. 

In the first grant year, Rose Haven served 1,485 unduplicated individuals with their suite of services. 

“They’re not just friends, they’re family to me,” Pepper said. 

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