WISE’s Outreach Program is designed to serve clients who do not need emergency shelter. Depending on a client’s need, they may be connected with an outreach advocate or sexual assault outreach advocate.
Outreach advocates are available to assist with divorce and custody matters, housing needs, and individual support. Outreach advocates are also available to accompany clients to court or police interviews, and to assist clients in filing personal protection orders or police reports. However, our outreach advocates CANNOT provide free legal representation. If you are in need of free representation, we can connect you to West Michigan Legal Aid for an assessment.
Sexual assault advocates offer the same support as the legal and outreach advocates, but they are also available for medical advocacy and support during sexual assault forensic exams.
WISE advocates are not attorneys and cannot represent clients in court. However, advocates can work alongside attorneys to support clients through any legal process, and can help clients find legal representation if they need it.