October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is right around the corner. With the increase of domestic violence due to the pandemic, awareness is needed now more than ever, especially in Montgomery County. In this newsletter and subsequent communications, we will discuss ways for you to get involved and support Laurel House in our efforts to raise awareness against domestic violence.
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Join the Virtual Conversation about Dating Abuse
In June 2005, Kristin Mitchell was killed 20 days after graduating from Saint Joseph's University by her ex-boyfriend. Since that time, her father, Bill Mitchell has been an active advocate and friend to Laurel House.
His newly released book, "When Dating Hurts" is a real-life narrative about what his family experienced and all that they learned about dating violence.
On September 23rd and 24th, Break the Cycle will host a virtual, national conversation with author, advocate and father, Bill Mitchell. Receive a copy of the book with each ticket purchased.
If you can not attend, you can find the book on Amazon.
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Holiday Program Changes
Due to COVID-19 and the public health concerns, Laurel House has re-evaluated the Holiday Program and made some changes. These changes will allow us to continue to provide holiday support for the families we serve. Please be assured that these decisions were not made lightly, as we had to consider the health and safety of our clients, staff, donors, and volunteers.
Ways to Help this Holiday Season:
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Monetary Donations - Unrestricted donations will allow us the flexibility to directly support the needs of our clients, which can vary greatly from family to family.
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Adopt-a-Family - In previous years, the Adopt-a-Family Program would consist of clients providing "wish list" items (actual items as well as gift card). This year, we are asking donors to provide gift cards for these families. These gift cards will go directly to the “adopted” family. Please note that because of the increase in the number of individuals and families we are helping, the Adopt-a-Family is currently our biggest need.
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Holiday Wish List - This list contains some of our most needed items, as well as a list of our most needed gift cards. Gift cards allow our clients to purchase food, clothing, medications, gas, and more!
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Have You Registered Yet?
Laurel House's 5K DASH is going virtual this year! While it is disappointing that we cannot all gather together in Upper Gwynedd as we normally do, it does mean that we do not have to limit the event to just one day! Participants will have the opportunity to complete their 5K anytime between Friday, Oct. 16th and Sunday, Oct. 18th. New this year, we are offering a Couch to 5K training program to help you get ready for the run.
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Virtual WAM = Success!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our annual Walk A Mile event this past weekend. While we were not all able to gather together to Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® our participants did not disappoint! The event raised over $40,000. These funds allow us to continue to provide life-saving services to victims of domestic abuse and their loved ones right in our own community. Thank you!
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Domestic Violence Symposium
Join Cabrini University as they host their 10th annual Domestic Violence Symposium: Resilience During a Pandemic. This year's event will be held on October 14th and will feature Kenneth Ginsburg, MD, MSEd, a pediatrician specializing in Adolescent Medicine at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, a Professor of Pediatrics at Penn's Perelman School of Medicine, and Director of Health Services at Covenant House Pennsylvania, an agency that serves Philadelphia's homeless and marginalized youth.
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Bags & Baskets Virtual Auction
Get ready to bid on some amazing designer bags and fun baskets! Due to COVID-19, Marian's Attic Bags & Baskets Bingo was cancelled. But here is your chance to win some amazing items. The auction will open on Monday, Oct. 5th at 10am and close Sunday, Oct. 11th at 12 noon. You may preview the items online starting on Wednesday, September 23rd. Thank you to the amazing staff and volunteers at Marian's Attic who put together the items for this auction.
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We Are Here For You
If you, or someone you know, is being impacted by domestic abuse, Laurel House's confidential hotline is available 24-hours a day by calling 1-800-642-3150.
Trained advocates are available to help with safety planning, counseling, legal options and other resources.
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"Thank you so much for the iPad. My client is beside herself. She was accepted to an online LPN course, but did not have a computer. She is very thankful!"
- Laurel House Advocate
It is because of the generous support of our donors that we can provide our clients with what they need, when they need it! So thank you!
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