Shelter Awarded $30,000 Grant
September 30, 2010 by admin
The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate, has awarded The Salvation Army a $30,000 grant to support it’s Emergency Bed Space program. The program is part of a community-wide initiative to provide a more comprehensive and coordinated response to domestic abuse.
The goal of the Emergency Bed Space program is to mobilize existing space to serve up to 10 families during times when all standard shelters are full. The collaborative program is administered by The Salvation Army’s Women’s and Children’s Shelter, which compiles bed space availability from all Marion County shelters and sends out a daily e-mail update to all who request it. The shelter also provides access to emergency bed space, case management and transportation when all other shelters are full.
According to the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1,574 victims of domestic abuse were denied emergency shelter in Indiana from July 2008 – June 2009. In addition, 53 deaths in Indiana were attributable to domestic violence during that same time period. The Emergency Bed Space program is designed to prevent further unnecessary deaths by ensuring a safe place is always available whenever it is needed for adults and children who are trying to escape domestic violence. Since the Emergency Bed Space program began in 2003, nearly 1,946 nights of shelter to more than 482 single individuals and to more than 298 families have been provided when all other Marion County shelters were full.
Coats for Kids 2010
September 7, 2010 by admin
It’s hard to believe that we are gearing up for our 24th Annual Coats for Kids campaign! As winter approaches The Salvation Army, WTHR Channel 13 and Tuchman Cleaners are again asking generous people from the city of Indianapolis to donate new or gently used coats, hats, gloves and scarves to help us with our campaign. Donations can be dropped off at any Tuchman Cleaners where they will be cleaned before distribution day on October 30.
This year interested patrons can also donate money online. All funds collected will be used to purchase new coats for children in need this winter.
Click here to purchase a coat for a kid.
Are you wondering how you can get one of our new or gently used coats for your child this October? Simply come to the Toyota Expo Hall at the Indiana State Fairgrounds between 8:00am and 4:00pm on October 30th. The event is free and open to the public, but remember that your child must be present to receive a coat!
Questions? Contact Julia Sloope at (317) 224 1067 or julia_sloope@usc.salvationarmy.org.
A True Survivor
August 31, 2010 by admin
My name is Donna*. My life has been saved! This is a literal statement because the abuse from my husband had progressed to the point where he was going to kill me. And even worse than that he would have done so in front of my three children. He had never abused the children before, but the signs were all present and I knew it was just a matter of time before he started on them too.
People say, “Leave him! Go!” But where do you go? There was nowhere in the area to go, no shelters. How are you supposed to get out safely? And if you have children it becomes even more complicated. You leave on the spur of the moment whenever the opportunity becomes available to you.
Then you find out all of the shelters are full, no rooms available. I left home in the middle of the night with my three children with very few personal belongings. Who was there for us? The Salvation Army was there. They had a room for us. In the middle of the night at 11:00pm they were there. My kids and I were finally safe. They first provided us with food, clothing, personal hygene items. After that they provided us with spiritual encouragement and hope. We stayed at The Salvation Army for several months until I was able to save up money for a safe apartment away from my abusive husband.
Currently I am still not at a place where I can give back, but when I am I will give generously so that The Salvation Army can be there for someone else in need. Thank you and God Bless.
Names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the client. Donna* is currently enrolled in our Continuing Support Program and she continues contact with her case manager once a week.
Ladies Striving for Success: Women from Homeless Shelter Receive a Fresh New Look
May 27, 2010 by admin
“Who are you? Why are you here? And now what shall you wear?” These are questions we all have pondered. And when it comes to the part about what to wear, it is particularly important to the ladies. While our outward appearance does not define who we are or influence our God-given purpose, treating ourselves to a fresh, new outfit can go a long way in bringing out the inward beauty. This beauty can get buried and lost under our struggles.
As a busy mother who put her children before herself for many years before realizing her need to replenish, Catrina Brown felt the need to offer a special evening of pampering to the ladies who live at The Salvation Army’s Women and Children’s Shelter in downtown Indianapolis. Many have ended up there as a result of domestic abuse and negligence, having nowhere else to turn and leaving their old lives behind. Some come to the shelter with a few belongings in trash bags, stripped of joy and hope.
For these ladies, Catrina envisioned an evening of dinner, motivational speakers and a fashion makeover. Clothing, jewelry, nail polish and shoes were collected along with a group of fellow Salvation Army employees who were delighted to help organize and serve at the event. To make it even more special, the makeover was kept secret.
As the speakers gave testimonies of victories over tragic situations, the room resounded with many amens and hallelujahs. It was much needed encouragement for these ladies as they begin their process of healing and renewal. Just as the butterfly sheds its old skin and is a new creation, it was then revealed to the ladies that they would be stepping behind the curtain to shop for a new outfit, complete with shoes and accessories. Judging by the smiles and squeals, it truly was a night of success for these ladies and one that will hopefully be a step towards a brighter future.
