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The BeaLine (YouTube video)
Bea Black, Executive Director
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Survivor Story
 When I look back on my life 17 months ago. It looked very different than it does now. Life then was stressful, agonizing, and troubling. I was a shattered, broken existence of myself. Wondering what I could do to quiet the constant voices I was having of not being enough, doing enough or providing enough. My attempts at decompressing with exercise was never enough to get away from the feelings I was experiencing from the day to day abuse. Nothing deadened those voices; nothing took away the emptiness, and the loneliness I had every day.
Being with an abusive partner literally sucks the life out of you. You don’t ever have a break from stress. You are constantly on high alert, leaving you little room to breathe; to feel normal; that it is okay to just be still. When I was in this abusive relationship I always wondered if I would ever get to just breathe again to truly enjoy life in all its joy and beauty.
More…
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Supporting Our Clients
 Our community is constantly giving back and supporting our clients on their journey to safety, healing and freedom. We would like to highlight just a few special cases that have happened recently.
Our work is only possible through the support of our community.
There are simply too many companies, families, and individuals to list. Check out our Facebook page for more fun photos and stories!
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Staff Spotlight: Charisse
 The spotlight this month is on Charisse Patterson. Charisse manages The Shop, the WCA’s Thrift Store Boutique. Her job consists of processing, sorting, and pricing donations and getting them on the sales floor or listed for sale online. Charisse additionally works to create community partnerships with other nonprofits, and seek opportunities to bring attention to The Shop and generate revenue for the WCA.
In addition to generating revenue for the WCA, The Shop provides direct support for WCA clients. When clients come in with vouchers, Charisse and her staff are happy to help them pick out what they need, whether that is clothing, household items, personal care items, or anything else. Charisse also manages furniture donations, so that clients can have furniture in their new homes after they leave the WCA shelter.
More…
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Create Common Good has used food to change lives for 10 years
by Bea Black
Please join us in celebrating the 10th anniversary of our good friends and invaluable partners at Create Common Good (CCG), a Boise-based nonprofit social enterprise that uses food to change lives and build healthy communities.
CCG offers foodservice skills training and job placement services to individuals with barriers to employment as they work to gain new skills and achieve self-sufficiency. Since 2008, CCG has helped more than 700 trainees — including refugees, women escaping domestic violence, and those overcoming addiction — create “better futures made from scratch.”
The Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA), which provides safety, healing and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault, has been involved with CCG since 2013. Our partnership makes a significant difference in this community and in the lives of many of the women the WCA serves.
More . . .
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Corporate Pillar Spotlight: Concrete Placing Company
 We are proud and humbled to spotlight Concrete Placing Company as our valued Corporate Pillar for the month of August.
“Concrete Placing Company supports the WCA because of their history of assisting women and children with a safe place to stay and the necessary services to transition into a fulfilling life.” John B. Ferguson, President and CEO.
More…
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Volunteer Spotlight: Bonnie Cichosz
 Bonnie has been a dedicated core volunteer with the WCA for about a year. She spends time every week volunteering in the Shop, and has also helped out on our admin team at the front desk, as well as at many special events. Bonnie’s dedication to the WCA’s mission is reflected in her artisan necklaces that are available for purchase in The Shop. Proceeds from the sales help support our direct client services. Thanks Bonnie, for everything you do!
How did you get involved with the WCA?
I attended the WCA tour, “If these walls could talk” and was hooked!
More . . .
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In Memoriam: Makaiya Lucas
On July 28, the WCA lost one of our beloved young volunteers and the world lost a beautiful soul. Makaiya Lucas, age 17, was killed in a car accident near Kuna Road. Makaiya (or Kaiya as she liked to be called) was a sweet and generous young lady who helped us out in our thrift store and at many events. Kaiya loved her friends and family, animals, and giving her time and heart to those in need. All of us at the WCA will miss you, Kaiya.
If you are interested in helping her family pay for funeral expenses, please click here.
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Wish List
Our lists of needed items are updated as needed and always available on our website. New items from this list below can be dropped off at the WCA lobby at 720 W Washington St. M-F from  8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This month, the WCA is in need of food to restock the shelves at our shelter.
Food Items (single family size only and no expired items, please):
- Similac Advance Infant Formula On-the-Go Powder Sticks w/ Iron
- Pasta sauce (red, white, pesto, etc.)
- Snack items (Goldfish, crackers, fruit snacks, pretzels, popcorn, nuts, granola bars, etc.)
- Ramen
- Salt and pepper, other seasonings
- Tea and coffee
- Lentils, quinoa, rice, cous cous
- Easy to make meals (shelf stable)
You can purchase other much needed items through our Amazon Wish List.
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