October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month, and there are many people in tough situations in Shoshone County who aren’t aware of the resources that are available to them here.

That’s where the Shoshone County Crisis and Resource Center comes into play.

The group has been around for some time but many people seem to be unaware of its existence.

“We are one of the Silver Valley’s best kept secrets,” director Kellie Lavigne said. “We want people to know we are there for them in times of crisis and we have many resources that are available to use.”

The center relocated its Kellogg office to Pinehurst earlier this year.

“We want people on this end of the valley to feel like they have a place they can go that isn’t all the way to Wallace or Coeur d’Alene,” Lavigne said. “We have so many people tucked away in the little gulches and remote areas all over the county. It’s very important that we are accessible to everyone.”

Lavigne also wanted to convey the message that the center isn’t only there to help victims of domestic violence, but for anyone who is experiencing crisis.

“Crisis can be a lot of things, not just sexual abuse, child abuse or domestic abuse,” Lavigne said. “We have resources here that can help people get through tough times. If this can be a place where people can come and find help or hope, then we are doing our job.”

At this time, the Shoshone County Crisis and Resource Center can help people obtain legal documents, accompany victims to the hospital for and during exams, and act as a liaison between victims and a variety of justice system departments and personnel; as well as providing crisis counseling, emotional support, guidance, and many other various resources.

The center also offers a women's support group on Thursdays every week at both locations, 10 a.m. in Pinehurst and 5:30 p.m. in Wallace.

The Shoshone County Crisis and Resource Center offices are located in Wallace at 415 Seventh St. and Pinehurst in the Fairway Shopping Center across from Barney’s.

The center can be reached at 208-556-0500.