Philanthropy Files: Your Gifts Have an Impact

Laura Honn
Philanthropy Manager

 2020 was unprecedented on so many levels. The need for our services was and continues to be greater than ever before. Especially with an increase of 89% in hotline calls to our Domestic Abuse hotline experienced between January and November 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. Our safe shelter emergency intakes sit at 17 since the stay at home order began in April of 2020, compared with 4 for the whole of 2019. These significant increases, while very challenging, make it clear to me that our work is vital. I stand committed to the belief that everyone deserves a life safe from abuse. Our work must continue and inevitably expand to enable us to serve all who need us.

The generosity of our community this past December has also been unprecedented and has shown me that you too very much believe that everyone deserves a life free from abuse and sexual assault and that our vital work must continue. While the execution of our 2020 holiday season programs faced new challenges, we all stepped up to the plate to make sure all who we serve felt the love and support of our community. Whether it’s taking a tag from our giving tree to sponsoring a family that we are currently serving or making financial contributions. Every gift had a huge impact and helps us to achieve our mission of safety, healing and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault. I can not thank you enough for the generosity that was shown to The WCA.

As we begin 2021, I am hopeful that this year brings hope and opportunity and with your support, we will continue to preserve our services and serve all who need us in our community.