About New Directions
Providing steady, compassionate support across Knox County through services rooted in care, trust, and community impact.
Serving Knox County With Consistent Support Since 1983
For many people in Knox County, moments of crisis can feel isolating and difficult to navigate without clear support. New Directions Shelter was established in 1983 to respond directly to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking with local, accessible services. As the only agency of its kind in the county, the organization focuses on removing barriers to help through free, confidential advocacy, shelter, and crisis response. This foundation continues to shape a reliable, community-based approach that people can turn to when they need clarity, safety, and next steps.
What You Can Expect From Us
Confidential Support
Reaching out can feel uncertain, and every interaction is handled with privacy so you can focus on your next step without added concern.
Local Committment
Support is grounded in Knox County, meaning you’re working with people who understand the community and available resources.
Accessible Services
Language access through interpreter services helps ensure more people can connect with support in a way that works for them.
Consistent Advocacy
Whether you need immediate help or ongoing guidance, you’ll have steady support from trained advocates who stay with you through the process.
Our mission is to provide free, confidential support that helps individuals move toward safety, stability, and a stronger future.
Connected to the Knox Community & Beyond
New Directions Shelter serves individuals and families throughout Knox County, including Mount Vernon, Gambier, Fredericktown, and Centerburg. The organization operates from its administrative office in Mount Vernon while maintaining confidentiality for shelter services. As a long-standing community resource, it continues to provide crisis response, shelter, advocacy, and prevention education across the region. People across Knox County rely on consistent, local support that reflects decades of service and community presence.
New Directions is also connected to statewide networks including the Ohio Domestic Violence Network and the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence. These affiliations help strengthen services through shared knowledge, standards, and collaboration across Ohio. LanguageLine access further supports communication across 240+ languages, helping remove barriers for individuals seeking help.
Our History
Over 40 years of advocacy, shelter, and education.
1982
A task force of concerned citizens plans throughout the year to open a shelter in Knox County for survivors of domestic violence. New Directions becomes incorporated on October 6, 1982.
Jan. 1 1983
New Directions begins housing survivors in an efficiency apartment rented from Interchurch Social Services and employs a part-time director and 20 volunteers. Along with housing, New Directions offers a 24-hour hotline and supportive services.
Oct. 1985
New Directions moves into its current site a 3-level house leased from the Knox County Commissioners
1988
New Directions expands services to include a rape crisis program, becoming Knox County’s first and only rape crisis center.
1989
New Directions further expands services by creating a victim advocacy program to provide legal support to survivors of domestic violence seeking protection orders in criminal or civil proceedings.
1992
The Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH) certifies New Directions for residential support services.
2003
New Directions is given funds for the Delta Project, the predecessor to the current prevention program.
2014
Mary Hendrickson, the first and only Executive Director since its incorporation, passes away unexpectedly.
2017
New Directions leases additional space to create a separate administrative office; shelter services expands to include a pet kennel for residents and a third bedroom is created to house additional residents.
January 2019
New Directions partners with local law enforcement entities to implement the Lethality Assessment Program.
June 2020
New Directions receives the Excellence in Prevention Award from the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence.
August 2020
New Directions partners with Kenyon College to oversee and train the student-led Sexual Respect Peer Alliance (SRPA) Peer Advocates
January 2021
New Directions moved into its current site a 3-level house leased from the Knox County Commissioners
July 2023
New Directions moved into the 212 N. Main Street location, housing all New Directions staff in one location and creating a more visible space for survivors..
Our Staff
New Directions’ staff ensures that our mission, programs, and finances reflect our core values of transparency, empathy, and community service. Their leadership keeps us focused on our purpose and accountable to those we serve.
