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Voices of Hope Advocates Against Family Violence, Inc. |
April 2009 |
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Greetings!
Over the last few months, the number of calls we have received asking for help has more than doubled. There are many women and children seeking shelter and housing as they leave an abusive relationship. If we are not able to provide shelter, these women and children become homeless - living in a car or living with another family, sometimes sleeping on the floor. Others sleep in parks or other public places because they have no place else to go.
While the ladies are living at Hope's Door, we provide case mangement, classes and support as they rebuild their lives. In a Self Esteem Class a few months ago the facilitator asked the ladies to do a writing exercise on what they've learned, how they've grown, skills they've developed and how they feel they are more prepared for the future. Several women from that group gave great examples of what kind of an effect we are having, and below are two of their responses.
#1: I learned to hopefully make better choices when it comes to guys. Also, I've learned that drugs don't make any situation better. And that if you need help with something it's ok to ask.
I think I've become a more outspoken person. I've learned to socialize with people and I'm also learning how to trust people. That's have I've grown during my time here. Some skills I've developed are reading people better, making better choices, and I've learned to take care of my kids better. I'm more prepared for the future because now I can stand up for myself and I know that I don't need a man to make it, I can do it on my own.
#2: I have learned to have patience with myself and my life. That I truly need to know and love who I am and not worry about having a man in my life. I am learning to acknowledge who I am to myself, I want a good, healthy life now, even if it means a life without a partner. I am also starting to learn to trust my instincts and feelings again. I don't believe I could ever be fooled by a man in a relationship again. I am slowly learning to depend only on myself. I am going back to college to become a substance abuse counselor. I won't have to depend on anyone financially. I have also seen how my daughter depends on my opinion of things she's having problems with. This has helped me to look at myself and see the strength this past relationship has given me and given my daughter toward me. I am learning to trust myself mostly, and that has given me hope for the future. |
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Touch 1 Life Fashion Show
LIMITED SEATING!!
Go to ICTickets to purchase your tickets today!!
If you would like to have a display booth, become a sponsor or donate a silent auction item, please call Brenda at 459-6279. |
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Volunteers Make It All Possible
One of the things I am most grateful for - is volunteers. Over the past couple months, we have had some incredible people step up and help out.
Margo Bogossian is a junior at Capital High School in Boise. After taking a tour of Hope's Door, Margo made a committment to find ways to help out. She volunteered several times to answer the crisis line and work the front desk.
Most recently, Margo organized a BBQ to benefit Hope's Door. On April 18th, over 100 people showed up at Captial High School to eat hotdogs and play games while supporting a great cause. Margo and her friends raised over $700 to support Hope's Door.
In March, I received a call from Kim Harvey of District III Probation and Parole asking if they could host an Easter Egg hunt for the children at the shelter. On April 11th, several probation and parole officers showed up with a 6' Easter Bunny, 30 Easter baskets filled with candy and goodies, 12 dozen hard-boiled eggs, $25 Wal-mart gift cards for the moms and a check for $500 made out to Hope's Door to help with utilities. Every child received an Easter basket and had their picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Kudos to District III Probation and Parole - with a special thanks to the Easter Bunny!!
Alex McRae picked Hope's Door for his Eagle Scout Project. On April 11th, Alex and several other Boy Scouts stained the children's playground fence. It looks great. Thank you Alex for making this project a success and improving the appearance of our facility.
Melba High School raised $322 and gathered a car full of personal hygiene items, food, etc for the women and children of Hope's Door.
Members of the Soroptimist Club International of Caldwell painted and fully furnished a room. Heather Yee was the committee chair who helped pull everything together. They also presented Hope's Door with a $1000 award for utilities and operating expenses.
A very special thanks to Gina Porter who completed an internship with us through BSU. Gina worked at Hope's Door three times a week advocating for clients, answering the crisis line and assisting residents. Now that Gina's internship is complete, we really miss her. Another BIG thanks to Brenda Johnson, Jill Guth, Kim Ivacek, Aysha Vidales and Halie Grant who volunteer every week at Hope's Door. These ladies work evenings and weekends providing advocacy, answering the crisis line, assisting residents and helping out with clerical duties. During these tough financial times, the hours these volunteers spend working at Hope's Door makes it possible to continue providing services at the same level that we did before.
We are very grateful to Marilee Kohtz, LMSW, who comes in once a week and provides counseling services for our clients. Counseling is so very important to the healing process, but most of our clients do not have insurance to cover counseling services. Thank you Marilee for providing this very needed service.
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HOPE'S DOOR THRIFT STORE
If you like a bargain, then Hope's Door Thrift Store is your kind of place. We offer a large inventory of men, women and children's clothing and shoes. We carry a variety of household items, antiques and collectibles. As the days become longer and warmer, we are planning some fantastic sales.
Summer Sale Days at Hope's Door Thrift Store on the corner of 5th and Main in Caldwell.
Every Saturday Is A Sale Day At Hope's Door! May 2nd, 16th and 30th - Men's, Women's and Children's clothing will be priced at $1 or less. Women's 2 piece suits and Men's Tuxedo Jackets 50% off. June 13th and 27th - Big Sidewalk Clothing Sale with Discounts on all clothing in the store. July 11th and 25th - Bag Stuffer Clothing Sale. $1 per bag for all the clothes you can stuff in a shopping bag. Make Hope's Door Thrift Store a regular stop on Saturdays when you are out and about.
Hours: Tuesday through Friday - 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturdays - 10 a.m. to
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Each volunteer and each donation helps AAFV realize it's mission of eliminating abuse in families and homes. Every hour and every dollar you give to AAFV and Hope's Door goes to provide services to men, women and children right here in your community, your neighborhood, your workplace and your children's classrooms.
In March, we assisted 467 individuals through 11 programs in Canyon and Owyhee Counties. Hope's Door is one of our largest programs, but we also offer court advocacy, supervised visitation, parenting support and many more services to the families in both Canyon and Owyhee Counties.
Thank you for caring enough to make a difference and help those around you.
Sincerely,
Brenda Cameron
Advocates Against Family Violence, Inc. |
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