Each resident at the shelter works closely with a Women’s and Children’s Advocate to address their short-term and long-term needs and goals. Women and children are supported through individual case management, individual counseling sessions, and individual medical/mental health/immigration appointments.

Mothers are supported by children's and women’s advocates through weekly, one-on-one parenting consultations. During weekly support-group meetings, women are also given a safe space and opportunity to share concerns regarding their children with AWS staff members and other residents.

Advocates work to support the strengthening of the mother-child bond and to create healthy, sustainable relationships between mothers and children. Before entering AWS, mothers and children typically have had limited opportunities to spend meaningful time with each other on a consistent basis, due to the constant threat of violence and interruption in their own homes. Advocates facilitate fun outings for mothers and children, including visits to libraries, parks, the zoo, and other safe locations.

As residents reach the end of their stay at AWS, a family advocate provides support to women and children as they transition out of emergency shelter and into permanent or transitional housing.