NATCHEZ — The decision to seek the support — both of a roof and of the program — at the Guardian Shelter is not an easy one for victims of domestic violence, Guardian Shelter Director Donna Miller said.

And getting on a routine that comes with shelter life can be just as trying, Miller said.

“(The women’s) lives cater around the abuser, from what time they eat, to everything,” Miller said. “It takes time to learn to get into a routine.”

But teaching those women the stability that comes with a routine — whether it’s scheduled mealtime or rules against having company, can help the women to help themselves, Miller said.

As of Friday, four single women and five women with children were staying in the Guardian Shelter.

Not only does the shelter give women a window to climb out of their abusive relationships and households, but the shelter staff also sees to it that women take care of themselves for once.

The average say is 30 to 45 days, but Miller said the shelter is flexible about the length of time as long as women are making moves during their time in the program to get back on their feet.

“We have access to so many community resources,” Miller said.

But Miller recognizes that settling into life away from harm requires an adjustment.

“(The women at the shelter) have to have a period to sit and rest, to eat, and (a period of) quietness before they get on with looking for a job and a place to live,” Miller said.

Additionally, the women also have an opportunity to address medical problems, sometimes problems as simple as going to the dentist, or other issues they’ve often neglected.

“For so long, (abused women) had to forgo what (they) needed, personally,” Miller said.

In 2010, the shelter served 11,496 meals, housed 68 women and 79 children from 11 counties it serves, Miller said.

In addition, 13 women and 20 children were housed in the supportive housing apartments upstairs, which serve as a second program step the organization offers.

Miller said the Guardian Shelter needs personal care and household items, such as canned goods, diapers, wipes and used bedding, pots, pans, TVs, towels, sheets and furniture.

Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 1225, Natchez, MS, 39121. For more information about the shelter, call 601-422-0142.

Miller said watching some women re-enter abusive relations can be difficult, but the success stories are inspiring enough for her and the other women at the shelter.

“Each time they (come back to the shelter), they have the option to see other people making it and growing in the program,” Miller said.