Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Posted at 12:09 am on October 13, 2009 by McMama
If you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic violence, please call Family Shelter Service’s 24 hour hotline at 630-469-5650 or the national hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
On Sunday, October 4, 250 people ran or walked 5k in the Downer’s Grove North neighborhood to raise funds for DuPage county’s Family Shelter Service (FSS). Together, we raised over $8,000. Personally, I finished 9th in my age division at a time of 36:05.3.
While my personal achievements are HUGE for me, the shelter’s fundraising efforts are even more important for the entire community, especially with October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In 2008, FSS served over 300 adults and children in their shelter, over 900 in the community (through counseling and advocacy services), received over 8,000 calls on their crisis hotline, and helped over 1,100 people obtain orders of protection.
It’s easy to think of domestic violence as something that happens elsewhere to other people. But in DuPage county in 2008, there were 6,689 police reported incidences of domestic violence. FSS is a vitally important part of our community, and in 2008 their expenditures outpaced their revenue.
But there are many ways to help keep the shelter and its services running. In addition to cash donations (accepted online, by mail, or via phone), the shelter accepts special event sponsorships, gifts in-kind, and donations of old cell phones and other used items to the shelter resale shops.
Another way to help is to volunteer. There are many opportunities for new volunteers, as well as more in-depth options for those who are willing to undergo special training. Volunteering is an excellent way to give of yourself and your time, especially in an economy where many don’t have any extra material goods to donate.
There are so many things to say about domestic violence that it’s hard to know where to stop. If you can, if you will, please consider finding a way to help, whether it be donating to the shelter, or just passing along a phone number to a friend who may be in need.
If you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic violence, please call Family Shelter Service’s 24 hour hotline at 630-469-5650 or the national hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
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