Having trouble reading this email? Click here to view as webpage

E-Newsletter: October 2024

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

DVAM is a month-long campaign dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence, remembering those we lost to abuse, and how we can all support the survivors in our lives. 

This year's DVAM theme is #Every1KnowsSome1.

#Every1KnowsSome1 serves as a reminder that with one in three women, one in four men, and nearly half of LGBTQ+ people experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime, it is likely that someone you know either has or is currently experiencing abuse.

Several of our staff members had the honor of attending this year's Domestic Violence Awareness Month ceremony, hosted by the Domestic Violence Legal Network. Laurel House Co-Executive Director, Beth Sturman, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her years of exemplary service to survivors of domestic violence in Montgomery County.

Thank you Beth for your service to survivors, and congratulations to Linda Connell at The Open Link and Mary Pugh at the Montgomery County Child Advocacy Project for receiving DVAM honors.

In addition to the honors, select works from this year’s Shifting Spaces Art Show and our Empty Place at the Table were showcased to attendees.

Attendees also got to listen to poetry from the winner of this year's Annual Teen Writing Contest at Women's Center of Montgomery County and see fabric artwork from The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth.

The ceremony was a powerful reminder that the fight to end domestic violence takes a village.

Although #DVAM is almost over, there are still ways you can show support:

➤ October 24 is the DVAM Day of Giving! Click Here or use the "Donate" button at the bottom of this email to make a contribution to support survivors of domestic violence.

➤ Attend a community event in support of Laurel House! On Friday, October 25, at 7 PM, our friends at Yoga Home will be hosting a donation class (Click Here to register!), and on Saturday, October 26, at 1 PM, the Plymouth Meeting Barnes & Noble will be hosting Laurel House supporter Susan Hathaway-Saurman for an Author Event!

➤ Invite community educators from Laurel House or your local domestic violence agency to teach students about healthy relationships and dating violence.

➤ Tune into our social media as we discuss healthy relationships and how you can show your friends, family, and community some love during DVAM and all year long. Like and share the posts you find most useful!

Your support deepens our impact and gives survivors a chance for a better life. You make our work possible!

Planned Giving: The 1980 Legacy Society

Did you know that October 21-27 is National Estate Planning Week? 

We'd like to honor National Estate Planning Week by inviting you to learn about our new Planned Giving Program and the Laurel House 1980 Legacy Society.

Laurel House is the legacy of our Founding Mothers' vision for a safe haven for survivors of domestic violence. Become a part of our story today and consider making a planned gift to Laurel House.

For more information about the Laurel House 1980 Legacy Society, please contact our Development Office at 610-277-1860 x. 102 or development@laurel-house.org.

Thank You for Helping Make this House a Home!

Thank you to everyone who helped us kick off #DVAM by joining us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at our recently renovated Transitional Housing Unit, Nehemiah’s Way!

We are thrilled to finally open our doors to more survivors of domestic abuse. Thank you to the borough of North Wales for welcoming us into your community with open arms. We look forward to moving in our first residents!

Special shoutout to Mason and the Jordan Family for dedicating his Bar Mitzvah project to helping furnish our newly renovated apartments!

Help Us Get Ready for the Holidays!

We need your help to get ready for the upcoming holiday season!

Our primary focus this year is acquiring gift cards for our families. Gift cards are an empowering means of financial support for families in our shelter, counseling programs, rapid rehousing, and transitional housing. Gift cards give parents the ability to buy gifts for their children and the autonomy to choose how to best meet their needs. Our goal is to provide $150 in gift cards to each adult and $100 in gift cards per child in each family. If you have questions or are interested in participating in our Adopt-a-Family Program, please contact Andrea Devenney at  adevenney@laurel-house.org.

In addition, we are also in search of Thanksgiving fixings and other holiday/winter needs. Please check out our Holiday Wish List below to see what our most current needs are. If you have any additional questions or would like more information, please contact Emily O’Connell at 610-277-1860 x117 or email at eoconnell@laurel-house.org.

Thank you for your support!

We're bringing back the Shifting Spaces Art Show in 2025!

Know a student looking to help in the fight against domestic violence? The Shifting Spaces Art Show is an opportunity to spread positive messaging about healthy relationships and influence friends, family, and more to value respect, safety, and trust in relationships.

The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, January 9, 2025. The showcase will be in February!

We are delighted to share that our Annual Gala to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of Laurel House will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Sheraton Valley Forge.



Please join us to enjoy a fabulous evening of dinner and dancing along with the opportunity to participate in a silent auction while learning more about the mission of Laurel House.

All proceeds will fund our lifesaving programs and services for survivors of domestic violence.

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.

Rated 4 Stars on Charity Navigator!