E-Newsletter: November 2021
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month Recap |
Laurel House staff, board, and volunteers participated in a variety of events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Staff members spent the last several months collecting stories from survivors and their loved ones. These stories were compiled, and some were made into videos, in an effort to spread awareness about domestic abuse.
We held our annual 5K DASH Against Domestic Violence virtually, and thanks to your support, we raised over $14,000! We appreciate everyone who participated and hope to see you in person next year! Special thanks to our sponsors for helping make it possible!
Our staff and community members also participated in "Wear Purple Thursday" on October 21!
Click Here for a full recap of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Now that Domestic Violence Awareness Month is over, we want to thank everyone for helping us spread awareness. Your support helps deepen our impact and gives those affected by domestic violence a chance for a better life.
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Thank you to everyone who supported Laurel House during this year's Amazing Raise! With your help, we exceeded our goal and raised over $1,600! Combined with TCN's match, we raised over $2,600!!
Thank you for your ongoing support!
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Thank you for making our work possible! |
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In Their Own Words: Survivor Stories |
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"Within six months, we married and moved to New York, six or seven hours away from Philadelphia. I worked at a restaurant and he would always come by, even though it was an hour away from where we lived. Within a month, I got pregnant.
During the pregnancy, I gained 150 lbs. He was always feeding me. He’d say, “you’re too heavy to leave, no one will want you.” When I quit my job, he came with me to hand in my keys. My boss didn’t want me to quit because I was good at my job, and while I thought it was best, I wish I stayed.
When my daughter was nine months old, I got pregnant again. I was losing a lot of weight quickly, so I was always at the doctor’s. One day, I told the nurse practitioner what was going on. He found out I told her, so he started joining me at my appointments. I thought, “He wants to be here!” He was good at hiding his abusiveness. He wanted to make sure I didn’t tell more than I already had.
I’d stay up with the baby and nap when she did because he'd yell if she cried. I wish I saw the signs sooner, because my daughters witnessed so much. They’re still in counseling for what they saw him do to me.
After my second daughter was born, I stayed for three more years. During that time, I got into drugs. One night I dreamed I was addicted to heroin and it was another wake-up call. That was the moment I knew I had to leave for good.
Two months later, I called Laurel House because I feared for my life after the abuse escalated and turned physical. The day he put his hands on my neck was when I knew I had to leave, so I took my kids and left. I still ask myself, “why do I still love him? Should I go back?” I tell myself, “I love myself more. I made a choice and it made me a better person.”
-Lorinda
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When you make a donation to Laurel House, you are showing victims of domestic abuse, like Lorinda, that their lives matter, and their community believes and supports them. Support a survivor and help them to make the transition from an abusive life to one that is free from abuse. Please visit our website today to make a secure online donation.
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Laurel House's Annual Gala |
Save the Date! Laurel House will be holding its Annual Gala in-person on April 2, 2022, at Rivercrest Golf Club & Preserve in Phoenixville, PA. As Laurel House's largest fundraiser, the Gala promises to be a fabulous evening of dining and dancing along with the opportunity to participate in an exciting silent auction while learning more about the mission of Laurel House.
This year we will honor Beth Sturman, Executive Director of Laurel House, and Preston Elliott of the 93.3 WMMR’s Preston and Steve Show. We will also launch the Resilience Award, which will be given to a domestic violence survivor who is now thriving after having survived the horrific circumstances of domestic violence.
The proceeds from this event will support Laurel House’s programs for victims of domestic violence and their children.
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In Their Own Words: Survivor Advice |
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We asked survivors of domestic violence, "If you could offer advice to someone who is in a supportive role to a victim of domestic violence, what would you say?" Below are several of the responses.
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Tuesday, November 30th, 2021 |
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Laurel House provides services to anyone impacted by domestic violence and abuse. If you, or someone you know, is being impacted by domestic abuse, call Laurel House's confidential, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-642-3150 or text "HOPE" to 85511.
Not sure if you're experiencing abuse? You can still call. We're here for you.
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Rated 4 Stars on Charity Navigator! |
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If you need us, call 1-800-642-3150 OR Text "HOPE" to 85511 |
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