Learn all you can about domestic violence.  Share your knowledge with friends and family.

Teach your sons that violence is not an acceptable method of getting their way. 

Teach your daughters that they do not deserve abusive treatment.

Let local officials know that you are concerned about this issue in White County and that you support their efforts to protect the victims and hold the abusers accountable.

VOLUNTEER! VOLUNTEER! VOLUNTEER!  Everyone has a skill that someone else needs. We need volunteers at the shelter.  Our most urgent need at the moment is someone to provide transportation for residents looking for jobs and housing, for doctor’s appointments, etc.  We also need someone to spend some quality time with the children, while the mothers attend job interviews and other appointments, or just enjoy some “me” time.

All victim assistance programs need dollars, plain and simple.  It's great to get government grants to support direct client services, but those dollars can't be used for everyday things like keeping the electricity on, getting the computer fixed, and all the other hundreds of things that small organizations struggle with every day.  So the first thing you can do with your time and talents is raise money.  Have a bake sale, garage sale, art sale, car wash, pass out flyers at your office, school, or church, etc.  Donate that money to organizations like ours.

VOLUNTEER - Group Activities

Church groups, Sunday School classes, community activism groups, campus organizations:  you have passion and people, and with these, YOU can make a difference!  Here are a few suggestions for drives that can make a world of difference to victims of domestic or sexual violence:

Domestic violence victims in crisis who have just entered emergency shelter need everyday items that we all take for granted.  Here are the basic items that we try to provide for each person - so gather and deliver:

*  Personal toiletries such as new toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair brushes and combs, shampoo, and feminine hygiene items

*  Many have left behind the very basics, so please consider rounding up towels, washcloths, pillows, blankets, and sheets (twin size)

*  General clothing needs are usually pretty easy to meet, but no one ever donates new packs of socks or underwear.  While not glamorous, these would be more appreciated then you can know.

*  Women living in shelter who are working or trying to find work often need small alarm clocks, panty hose, gas cards or transportation (remember that domestic violence often includes isolation and control - so many women in shelter don't have cars and find transportation to be a HUGE barrier to long term success)

*  Still along the lines of isolation, many have been estranged from their families for many years or have been moved away from their families by their abusers. You can help to reunite these families by providing long distance phone cards.  Re-establishing contact with lost family and friends can be an integral part of helping victims transition into survivors.  Phone cards also help protect victim privacy from abusers who may be monitoring cell phone use, or checking the bills to see who the victim is calling.

Shelters themselves have constant needs as well:

*  Each shelter runs differently; in ours all meals are provided.  A food drive would be beneficial.  Canned items are best.

*  Cleaning supplies!  Imagine multiplying your house time s 10, 20, or more.  We go through an  insane amount of papertowels, toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent, bleach and general cleaning supplies.  Mops, brooms, scrubbie sponges, etc. are always appreciated.

Victims transitioning from shelter to a home or apartment of their own  face additional challenges.  Many move into their new digs with literally the clothes on their backs and whatever they can carry.  If your group is larger and/or motivated enough, consider "sponsoring" transition families who are setting up a new life and probably need:

*  One or more beds and/or couches/couch beds
*  a table and chairs
*  a set of dishes and glasses
*  towels, washcloths, and a shower curtain
*  a set of pots/pans
*  silverware and basic cooking utensils
*  a garbage can

If you are interested in helping with the transitional housing program, we will work with you to anticipate when a new family will be ready so you can plan your drive(s).  If the legwork is problematic, consider raising money to provide gift cards to Wal-Mart, or a local dollar store, or other retailer.

How many of us has 2 or more cell phones at home laying in a drawer?  How about sponsoring a cellphone drive at work or at church?    We use these in two ways:  First we distribute them to victims for use in emergencies.  Second, we have a company that will pay us so much for every cell phone we turn in to them, so all those old phones are welcomed.  When sending phones, please protect your privacy by deleting your contact list or other information.