We believe that helping women and children break away from a dangerous domestic situation protects them from current and future harm.
Survivors of domestic violence need assistance that puts them on the pathway to safety and financial stability, benefiting them and our community. Because of your support, United Way of Jackson County is able to fund the AWARE Shelter’s Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter Program. Last year 462 women and children found refuge at the AWARE Shelter. Kallyn is one of them. Some details have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.
Coming to the AWARE shelter wasn’t easy for Kailyn. For 18 years she watched her mother endure abuse. Kallyn assumed this was how her life was supposed to be, too. But eventually this young mother couldn’t accept that sentence. Her one-year-old child and baby she would soon hold in her arms fueled her courage. Kallyn knew they deserved better. When she finally fled to the AWARE shelter, she was scared, almost emotionally broken. But after countless days of abuse, the three of them were finally safe. During her stay the AWARE advocacy staff assisted her with housing, counseling and other basic needs. With a baby on the way, finding a job was not an option right away, but soon it would be. She was approved for government assistance, she found an apartment that was perfect for her family. She continues counseling and is exploring daycare options for when she gets a job. Kallyn wants to provide a loving, nurturing home for her children. Her kids will have the childhood that escaped her.
Every adult client served through the AWARE Shelter received advocacy, assistance or referrals to job training programs for employment, or support in obtaining assistance through DHHS. Your support is not only a beacon of hope for distressed women and children, your support is also a pathway to stability.