Philanthropy Files: Preserve Our Services

Laura Honn – Philanthropy Manager

October is an important month here at the WCA. Not only is it Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but it’s also when our Healing Begins with Hope Outreach and Fundraising Event takes place. This year is unique, and like many other organizations, we decided to move our annual event to be completely virtual. And as the months have passed, we realized how much of an opportunity hosting the event virtually has provided.

Our mission of safety, healing and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault is always at the forefront of our minds and work. Each day when I come to work I can see our mission in action, whether it’s seeing our front desk department specialists helping an emergency walk-in client or greeting a survivor as she and her children pick up their generously donated back to school supplies. I see the impact we have daily on this community and I want you to see that impact too.

This past few months survivors within our community have needed us more than ever and this year’s Healing Begins with Hope event offers you the rare opportunity to hear first-hand from some of those courageous survivors and hear the impact the WCA has had on their journey towards freedom.

Since the stay at home order began, the need for our services has increased significantly. In April alone we saw a 194% increase in domestic violence-related calls to our hotlines and those calls have continued to come in at unprecedented high levels. In 2019, we had four emergency intakes for the whole year and since the pandemic began in April we have had 14.

Home is not safe for everyone, but we are here. I see and hear the effects of these increases each day, but this year’s virtual event now provides a unique opportunity for you to hear them too. Joining us means you share our commitment to preserving our vital services and to achieving our mission of safety, healing and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault.

This year, for your convenience we are offering three opportunities to tune in and watch our Healing Begins with Hope event: Noon and 7 p.m. on October 30 or 10 a.m. on October 31. This event will be the highlight of our day of impact, which will run from Noon October 30 to Noon October 31 and you can register for the time that works for you here.

Please consider inviting a friend to join you, as we strive to reach as many members of our community, so that all those who need us may know and access our services.

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