Since 2017, Mai Family Services has been providing a distinctive year-round program aimed at offering support to South Asian victims and survivors of domestic violence. This program, known as the Victim Advocacy and Women’s Empowerment Program, has been made possible through a Culturally Specific Underserved (CSU) Grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
The CSU-Grant Program is specifically designed for South Asians residing in the Metro Detroit counties of Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, and Washtenaw. It offers free Victim Advocacy Services and Life-skills Training, with the goal of empowering victims and survivors of domestic violence to lead safe and independent lives.
To ensure culturally sensitive and respectful assistance, the program engages skilled Domestic Violence Advocates and Counseling professionals who are proficient in the participants’ language and understanding of their specific needs. The eligibility to participate in the CSU-Grant Program is determined through a thorough assessment of an individual’s situation, needs, and potential benefit from program involvement.
In addition to the free program, childcare, transportation, and limited education or tuition assistance are available on a case-by-case basis to further support the participants.
The Program is free to all participants. Childcare and transportation are provided based on individual needs.