In This Edition

Features

Video: One Little Girl's Secret Plea
Agency Partner Spotlight: Forbes House
Team Spotlight: Stephanie Devers
Record Turnout for Women United Speaker Series: Human Trafficking in Northeast Ohio
Video Recording of Human Trafficking Speaker Series

Opportunities to Become Involved

Sun-Kissed 7-Day Florida Getaway (Only 200 Raffle Tickets Available = Great Chance of Winning)!
Women's Winterfest & Holiday Food Tasting Fundraiser
Two Additional Exciting Raffles
Small Business United
GET CONNECTED! Volunteer Opportunities

Stories that Matter. Stories that Move Us.

One Little Girl's Secret Plea for Help

Watch the short video above for a heartbreaking example of the cycle of abuse.

Agency Partner Spotlight

Forbes House: Lake County's Only Domestic Violence Shelter

"HLPME"

It’s heartbreaking to acknowledge that domestic violence is very often passed down from parent to child.

Recently, a brave 6-year-old girl at Forbes House slipped the above note to a care worker that simply reads, "HLPME."

She was at the shelter with her baby sister and mother, who sought refuge from her own abusive partner. But tragically, the mother, a victim herself, had also become an abuser, hurting her own little girl.

The work our agency partner Forbes House does isn't about protecting just today's survivors, it's also about ensuring the next generation grows up free from the trauma of violence. Forbes House provides not only safety, but the support and resources needed to heal and build a future free of abuse.

How You Can Help

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s take a moment to recognize the essential work of Forbes House and recommit ourselves to supporting their mission. Together, we can create a safer and more compassionate community for all.

It is only because of the kindness of donors like you that we can fund them with the critical support needed to carry out their important work. Please consider making a donation today at uwlc.org/give.

Supporting Survivors During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

At United Way of Lake County, we are proud to be the second-largest funder of Forbes House due to the essential services they provide. Last year alone, they served 533 individuals.

For 45 years, Forbes House has been a lifeline for individuals and families affected by domestic violence in our community. As the only domestic violence shelter in Lake County, their work is crucial in offering safety, support, and resources to those escaping abusive situations. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re proud to shine a light on the vital services Forbes House provides to our community.

Emergency Shelter and Safe Haven

Forbes House operates a secure, 24-hour emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence, providing a safe haven for those in immediate danger. The shelter offers more than just a roof over one's head; it also ensures residents receive compassionate care, basic necessities, and a supportive environment. Staff members work around the clock to create a safe and nurturing space where survivors can begin to rebuild their lives.

Forbes House Helpline is available 24/7/365:

440-357-1018

If you find yourself in a physically, emotionally, verbally, or sexually abusive relationship with your partner, or you know someone else in an abusive relationship, please don’t hesitate to call their helpline at any time.

Comprehensive Support Services

Beyond emergency shelter, Forbes House provides a wide range of support services aimed at helping survivors regain stability and independence. These include individual counseling, support groups, and case management to help navigate housing, legal issues, and employment. The agency’s advocates also assist with safety planning and provide court accompaniment for survivors seeking protective orders or attending legal proceedings.

Community Outreach and Education

A key component of Forbes House’s work is to raise awareness about domestic violence and its impact on families. The agency actively participates in community outreach efforts, educating the public and partnering with local organizations to prevent domestic violence before it starts. Their prevention programs focus on building healthy relationship skills among youth and training community members to recognize and respond to signs of abuse.

Empowering Survivors

At the heart of Forbes House is its commitment to empowering survivors, helping them heal from trauma, and guiding them toward a future free from violence. The agency’s programs are designed to address not only the immediate needs of survivors but also the long-term challenges they may face in achieving stability. With ongoing support and a holistic approach to healing, Forbes House plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of abuse and fostering hope for a better tomorrow.

HELP US HELP OTHERS. PLEASE MAKE A GIFT TODAY.

Spotlight On Our Team: Get to Know Stephanie!

Stephanie Devers, United Way of Lake County Development Director

Record Turnout for Women United Speaker Series:

Human Trafficking in Northeast Ohio

A record-breaking one hundred and thirty-plus guests attended Women United's speaker series on Human Trafficking in Northeast Ohio, with nearly ninety more registered to watch the event virtually.

Words like fascinating, informative, and heartbreaking only begin to describe the incredible insights shared.

Keynote Speaker Detective John Morgan, a dedicated 25-year veteran of The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, and a Department of Homeland Security Investigations Task Force Officer assigned to the Ohio Attorney General’s Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force (NEOHTTF) led the initial creation of the NEOHTTF in 2016 and has been essential to its success in prosecuting the region’s most significant trafficking cases while maintaining an unwavering commitment to the support and restoration of victims.

Detective Morgan urged the audience to trust their instincts if they notice any red flags or sense something unusual. "It's not about being right or wrong; it's about protecting potential victims," he explained. "Never second-guess yourself—make the call." The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office dispatch is available 24/7 at 216-443-6085.

(continued below)

Panelists and Keynote Speaker (left to right):

Dr. Stephanie Gaines, Annette Mango (Survivor), Kathleen Hackett, Keynote Speaker Detective John Morgan, Jennifer Moreland, Jane Bryan, Kathy Strancar, Moderator and Speaker Carolyn Kinkoph, and Denise Robinson

The panel was moderated by Carolyn Kinkoph, founder of the Alliance Against Human Trafficking and a parent of a human trafficking survivor. She shared her daughter’s heartbreaking story and described her work with agencies and organizations at all levels to combat trafficking locally and beyond. Seven panelists offered valuable perspectives on topics ranging from the prevalence of trafficking in our area to identifying warning signs and supporting survivors.

Among the panelists was Annette Mango, who bravely recounted her journey from being trafficked on the streets of Cleveland to reclaiming her life with the help of the Renee Jones Empowerment Center. Now drug-free, employed full-time, and reunited with her family, Annette is an ambassador for the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Initiative and a certified peer recovery supporter.

Kathy Strancar, executive director of Forbes House, highlighted the role her agency plays in providing safety and advocacy for survivors. She noted that many who seek help do not initially recognize that they are victims of trafficking. “It’s only with time and advocacy that these individuals can begin to understand their situation and start their journey to recovery,” she shared.

Following the panel, attendees had the opportunity to connect with local organizations during a resource reception, learning more about available support services for victims and families affected by human trafficking.

Help is Just a Call Away

The Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force operates a 24-hour helpline to report human trafficking crimes. If you or someone you know may be a victim, please call 216-443-6085. Your call could be the key to helping a victim and bringing an abuser to justice.

Click Here for More Photos.

The speaker series was recorded and is available for viewing by clicking the below video.

Get Involved!

Upcoming Events, Volunteer Opportunities, Raffles & More.

Win a Sun-Kissed 7-Day Florida Getaway - $3,300 Value!

Only 200 Raffle Tickets Available = Great Odds of Winning!

(Just over 100 tickets remain - act now to get yours!)

Package Includes:

Seven (7) Days in a Beautiful 3-Bedroom, 3 Full Bathroom Condo in a Private Gated Community in Estero, Florida, located at 19912 Beechcrest Pl. (The home and area were untouched by Hurricane Milton)!
Resort-Style Amenities - Pool, Golf Cart, and More with Activities Close to Naples, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers Beach!
$500 Airline Voucher!

Click here for a flyer with pictures and click here to see pictures of the condo and resort!

$50/Ticket. All proceeds benefit Lake County women and children in need.

Get your raffle ticket now!

Online Ticket Sales End November 20th at Noon, or When Tickets Sell Out, Whichever Comes First.

Winner Will be Selected November 21, 2024!

Women's Winterfest & Holiday Food Tasting Fundraiser

Thursday, November 21 | 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

NEW LARGER LOCATION! LaMalfa, 5783 Heisley Rd, Mentor

Get ready for the ultimate holiday celebration with Women United of United Way of Lake County! This is THE event of the season - a fantastic girls' night out you do not want to miss! Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening packed with excitement that includes mouthwatering food tastings from over 20 local restaurants, incredible basket raffles, a 50/50 raffle, an always popular wine pull, tons of festive "Secret Santa Sack" surprises, mini manicures from the Brown Aveda Institute and more!

OVER TWO-THIRDS OF TICKETS ARE SOLD! Register now for this extraordinary night — all in support of Lake County women, girls, and children in need. Spots fill up fast for our most anticipated fundraiser of the year, so reserve yours today!

Sponsorship Opportunities: Click here for available sponsorships!

Two Exciting Raffles: Enter Now for a Chance to Win $10,000 Cash and/or a Lifetime of FREE Monthly Services from Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa (Mentor & Lyndhurst)!

Get Your Raffle Tickets Now!

Our friends at Mentor Nissan and Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa (located in Mentor and Legacy Village in Lyndhurst) believe in our mission and have gifted us with these amazing raffle prizes! All proceeds will benefit Lake County's most vulnerable residents through our Community Impact Fund.

Enter to Win $10,000 Cash Compliments of Mentor Nissan!

AND/OR

Enter to Win One Free Service Per Month FOR LIFE Compliments of Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa!

One lucky winner will receive one free service per month for Life! Services include Hair Cuts & Styling, Formal Styling, Manicures, Pedicures, Facials, Relaxation Massages, and Men's Cuts. The prize is non-transferable. You must be 18 years or older to purchase entries.

Complete contest rules are available at uwlc.org/salon.

Get your raffle entry tickets here now!

Small Business United (SBU)

Join the Movement

Small business owners know that a strong, healthy community is good for business. These same owners also understand the importance of giving back and keeping local dollars local, which is where our Small Business United (SBU) membership comes in. All funds raised in Lake County from this membership, stay in Lake County, helping our local friends and neighbors in need. If you are a small business owner interested in a simple, budget-friendly way to give back, then this may be just the program for you!

Learn more about our SBU program now!

GET CONNECTED!

Volunteer Opportunities at UWLC and Other Lake County Nonprofits

Our GET CONNECTED! initiative brings together individuals eager to make a positive impact with those looking for volunteers. If you are an organization in need of volunteers, we would love to include your listing in our online program. Simply send an email expressing your needs to volunteer@uwlc.org and we will get back to you!

If you are an individual looking to make a difference, we urge you to also send an email to volunteer@uwlc.org and we will respond with information on how you can select from a list of online opportunities that align with your interests and schedule!

Learn more about our GET CONNECTED! program here!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

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