The Julian Center

Founded in 1975, The Julian Center provides critical, life-saving support to survivors of domestic violence and abuse across Indiana. What began as a small referral service has grown into a nationally recognized organization and the largest domestic violence Emergency Shelter in Central Indiana. Each year, The Julian Center serves more than 1,227 survivors through a comprehensive continuum of Emergency Shelter and community-based services designed to promote safety, stability, and long-term healing.

The Julian Center delivers trauma-informed, survivor-centered services that meet individuals wherever they are in their healing journey. Core programs include a 24/7 Crisis Line, secure Emergency Shelter, advocacy, legal services, counseling, youth enrichment, and self-sufficiency programming. Survivors also receive assistance with basic needs such as nutritious meals, clothing, hygiene supplies, and referrals to stable housing. Importantly, clients receive the same range of services whether they reside in the Emergency Shelter or remain in the community, ensuring equitable access to support statewide.

Advocates provide legal assistance and therapeutic case management that empowers survivors to make informed choices. Self-sufficiency services focus on long-term independence through financial literacy education, career development, support groups, and wellness activities. As over 40% of the survivors in our Emergency Shelter are youth, ages 0-17, the Youth Enrichment program addresses the needs of children impacted by domestic violence through partner-led tutoring with Brightlane Learning and resilience-building activities, including the planned Youth Summer Resilience Retreat for school-aged children in the Shelter. Survivors staying onsite receive three daily meals, and additional clothing and household items are available at no cost through the Thrifty Threads program.

In 2025, The Julian Center provided 23,246 Nights of Safety in the Emergency Shelter, answered 3,107 contacts through the 24/7 Crisis Line, and served 33,691 nutritious meals. These services represent both immediate protection from harm and meaningful pathways toward long-term stability.

Funding is needed to sustain and strengthen the availability of 24/7 access to safety through our Crisis Line and Emergency Shelter, along with essential programming and services, while positioning the organization for long-term impact. Donor support will allow The Julian Center to deepen and create strategic partnerships, reduce duplicative services, and thoughtfully evaluate non-essential but desired survivor offerings. Funds will also support organizational right-sizing efforts to ensure financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and continued high-quality service delivery. With the support of donors and community members, The Julian Center will remain a trusted safety net for survivors while adapting responsibly to increasing community need.