One Project, Two Collaborations, and Safe Housing for Domestic Violence Victims
It is always good to support a worthy cause, but it is even better when resources are pooled, and partnerships are created for even greater impact. That is what happened last month when Social4Good (S4G) joined forces with two organizations to support a nonprofit that provides temporary relief for victims of domestic violence.
S4G’s goal was to support Artemis House, a domestic violence shelter run by local nonprofit Shelter House. Shelter House’s mission is to prevent and end homelessness and domestic violence. Artemis House provides temporary safe harbor to victims of violence, stalking, and illicit trade of people and their families. The shelter serves 1,800+ Fairfax County residents each year. Of these residents, about 60% are children.
Residents at Artemis House have access to case management services and counseling. Case management can help residents access childcare, immigration assistance, victim advocacy, legal assistance, and employment resources. Case Managers work with clients to develop a post-shelter housing plan. Residents also receive assistance with transportation, emergency food, and clothing.
S4G set out with a goal to raise $4,300 in in-kind and financial donations to support Artemis House. The project exceeded expectations. S4G awarded $2,782in grant monies to Artemis House for the purchase of air mattresses and other highest priority items needed by the shelter. In addition, members contributed another $2,504 in in-kind donations, which were used to create welcome baskets for 25 Artemis House clients as they transition to post-shelter housing. At a social & learn event, S4G members created the welcome baskets by filling laundry baskets with comforters, sheets, pillowcases, shower curtains, bath rugs, and more. “Thanks to your generosity, we can provide families with the essential items that they need but do not have access to because of their circumstances. When families leave the shelter, they are still fragile from the trauma they have suffered. The items will bring comfort and make their post shelter journey a less stressful one, so that stability can be achieved and healing can begin,“ said Shatoya Snell, Community Coordinator of Shelter House.
A collaboration with two local nonprofits deepened the impact of this August project. S4G partnered with Kids Give Back, a Northern Virginia organization that inspires the next generation of volunteer leaders by providing local service opportunities for children ages 6-12. Children attending a Kids Give Back summer camp filled cleaning buckets with household cleaning supplies and made chalkboard “Safe Space” paintings for the same 25 Artemis House clients. In addition, St. Mark Catholic Church in Vienna VA donated personal hygiene items that were used to create care kits for these clients. To learn more about these two organizations: https://kidsgiveback.org/ and https://stmark.org/.
About Social4Good: S4G is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization that brings together engaged women who want to meet new people and support the organizations that make our community strong. Each month, this column will highlight S4G’s monthly project to raise awareness of critical needs in our community and local nonprofits making a difference. To learn more about S4G or to support local nonprofits, visit www.social4good.community.
