The Courage to Move Forward

For years, Mary lived in a marriage marked by domestic violence. She continued to endure the abuse because she wanted her children to grow up in a family with their father. When Mary first reached out to Open Arms, she was seeking help with having a no-contact order dismissed. In the past when her husband would get arrested for domestic violence, she would not proceed with criminal charges, and his cases were often dismissed or amended to lesser charges.

With ongoing conversations and support of her advocate, she found the courage to move forward with the latest domestic violence charge. This time, the charge resulted in consequences, including a requirement for her husband to complete assessments and follow recommended treatments.

Mary made the decision to leave her marriage and begin moving forward independently. She continues to check in with her advocate, knowing that support is always available to her.

*Mary's name has been changed to protect her confidentiality and privacy.

At Open Arms, we believe being a good steward means making sure the generosity entrusted to us has a meaningful impact. Your contributions are put to work to provide safety, support, and hope for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault here in Hancock County. Every dollar supports our programs and services, helping us meet immediate needs while providing resources that promote long-term healing and stability. We are grateful for the trust our community places in us and take that responsibility seriously.

Community support translates into real services for those we serve. Here is what it looks like in action. A $50 contribution provides two hours of supervised visitation for children removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, while $250 provides eight hours of emergency room advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. A $1,000 contribution provides one month of safe emergency housing for a survivor and two children fleeing violence at home. These are just a few examples of how generosity makes a tangible difference.

Thank you for being part of the Open Arms community and helping ensure these vital services remain available when they are needed most.

Providing Shelter, Safety, and Support