Love shouldn't hurt

"It is easier to build 
up
 child 
than it is to 
repair 
an adult."
Breaking the Cycle
Domestic violence is closely linked to homelessness. Almost 40% of cities cited domestic violence as the primary cause of family homelessness, and almost a third of homeless families are homeless due to domestic violence. Alternative House staff have witnessed this trend at our Assisting Young Mothers program for homeless pregnant or parenting girls 16-24 years old. Of the last ten young women to enter the program, all ten have been victims of domestic violence.

Education is critical component in breaking cycles of violence and abuse. Throughout the year, representatives from domestic violence prevention organizations such as Dating Abuse Stops Here (DASH) and Office for Women (OFW) lead group lessons at Assisting Young Mothers. The young mothers participate in workshops, counseling and life skills classes where they learn about healthy relationships, build self-esteem, and receive referrals for extra support if they need it.

The young women at Assisting Young Mothers are determined to break the cycle of violence and Alternative House remains fully committed to supporting their goals of providing a better life for their child(ren).
Mary's Story
"Mary" is a young mother of two children. For years Mary suffered at the hands of her abuser until an especially horrific attack left her blind in one eye. Mary struggled to return to work and pull the pieces of her life back together but like many victims of domestic violence, she found that she was unable to do it alone. 

It was at this point that Mary came to Assisting Young Mothers. Our staff observed that the ramifications of domestic violence had not only greatly impacted her life, but the lives of her children who began acting out at school, imitating behavior they had witnessed at home. Staff arranged for the children to meet regularly with counselors and specialists to assist them in coping with the violence that they experienced. Mary worked closely with Alternative House staff and her Assisting Young Mothers mentor to take full advantage of the resources provided at the program, including assistance with obtaining health care, daycare and employment. 

Mary is learning to function without one of her eyes, and she is receiving the counseling and services she needs to start living her life again. In less than a year, Mary has become more confident, determined to not allow this incident to define her future, and she is making great strides to move forward and be strong for her two children. With fulltime employment and a growing savings account, Mary is on her way to self-sufficiency and independence.
Facts
  • 1 in 15 children witness intimate partner violence each year.
  • Exposure to domestic violence is distressing to children and is associated with a host of mental health symptoms both in childhood and adulthood. Mental health effects include symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety.
  • Children often imitate behavior. In a study among a sample of domestic violence offenders, those who had as a child seen a parent use a weapon were more likely to commit an offense involving a weapon as an adult.
  • Between 21-60% of victims of intimate partner violence lose their jobs due to reasons stemming from the abuse.

In-Kind Giving
**Due to storage capacity, we will be able to accept NEW ITEMS ONLY from November 15th until January 1st.



We would like to request extra-large, clear, plastic storage containers for our Emergency Shelter for Teenagers
Our programs are running low on food. When purchasing groceries, please consider picking up a couple of extra food items for the children and young people at our programs. Dry foods such as rice or pasta and canned foods like tuna or chicken are always helpful.
Thanksgiving Donation Drive
Not every family can afford to celebrate the holidays. 
Help us provide Thanksgiving dinner for the children and families we serve by donating Thanksgiving Baskets!  Please see our flyer for more details.  

Thank you to all of our supporters who helped raise approximately $200,000 at this year's Beacon of Hope Breakfast! All of the funds raised at this event will help us continue to provide support to more at-risk and homeless children and youth. We would also like to acknowledge our sponsors who helped make the Breakfast a success:



















Unable to attend our regularly scheduled Open Door Information Sessions?
We will arrange a private tour for you and your guests.

Still can't make it? 
If you have a group of ten or more guests, Alternative House will come to you! Whether at your workplace, house of worship, civic group, book club, etc, we can bring the Open Door Information Session experience to you and your guests.

For more information about special arrangements, please contact Stephanie Barber at 703-506-9191 or [email protected].
We gladly accept new and gently used items.
There are many ways to support Alternative House.
            Volunteer
We are always looking for a variety of volunteers.
Click on logo to review 4 star (highest) rating
Catalog for Philanthropy
GuideStar

Open Door Tour
Click here.



                                                                   

PO Box 694, Dunn Loring, VA 22027    703.506.9191  1.800.SAY.TEEN



 ----  END OF NEWSLETTER  ----




ADVERTISEMENT BELOW IS NOT AFFILIATED 
WITH ALTERNATIVE HOUSE