Aaniin (Greetings)

Friends and Relatives of

Women’s Advocates, 

For over 50 years, Women's Advocates has helped victim-survivors find healing and stability, but we also understand how quickly new barriers can arise. Right now, we’re facing the possibility of a federal funding freeze that could impact domestic violence shelters across the nation, including ours.

We want to assure you: Women’s Advocates has always been a pillar of safety and support, and we will continue to be here for victim-survivors and families who rely on us. But sustaining and expanding our crucial services requires all of us standing together. Should funding cuts happen, we need to know that you'll be ready to stand with victim-survivors of domestic violence and continue supporting our mission to break the cycle of domestic violence.

Millions of victim-survivors and their children depend on shelters like Women’s Advocates. They depend on a strong network of support. And we are committed to being here for them, no matter what. But we can’t do it alone. We stand in solidarity and unity with Violence Free Minnesota, our statewide coalition, as well as our neighboring sister organizations in the Twin Cities metro and across our state. Together, we are working to ensure that victim-survivors continue to have access to emergency shelter, advocacy, legal support, and the resources they need to rebuild lives free from violence. 

In the coming months, we’ll keep you updated on what’s at stake and how you can help. Whether it’s advocating for survivor-centered policies, spreading awareness, or making a direct impact with your support, every action matters.

 Respectfully and Zhawenim (unconditional love),

Join us for our Break the Cycle community bike tour and festival!

When: Saturday, June 21st

Where: Theodore Wirth Trailhead, Minneapolis

Cost: $5–$55 Pay As Able

(Suggested Registration Fee is $55)

Choose from routes for all levels,

from dedicated cyclists to families looking for a fun, scenic ride. Ride with us to raise awareness about domestic violence, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with community partners. After the ride, stick around for a festival packed with family-friendly activities, music, and therapy dogs!

Unfamiliar environments and the stress of starting over can be overwhelming for young people in our shelter. That’s why outings like this are so important. "Youth in our shelter have a lot of stressors out of their control: some come from out of state, have to enroll in a new school, deal with new environments and expectations, and all of them have to be children living in 2025," said Jonathan.

But the impact goes beyond just the fun activities. "Many of the young folks we encounter are leaders who enjoy being part of the planning process when possible," added Jonathan. "I hope the youth that have been at the table in helping plan some of our experiences share the pride I feel when an outing goes well, because I truly believe that it is a team effort."

Experiences of violence and trauma often complicate the already difficult emotions young people are experiencing, and this can lead to isolation, lack of engagement, and low-self esteem. The Lean on Me program provides connections to culturally relevant mentorship and support for young people as the heal from their experience of domestic violence. 

Stand with our youth today by making an annual fund donation to support our youth programming and other essential services by clicking here.

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