FROM THE FRONT LINES

Brought to you by the Victim Outreach and Community Education Team

NOTE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GINGER JOHNSON, Q4, 2024

What a whirlwind of happenings!

October blew through with so many activities and connections that it overflowed right through November and into December! Where has this year gone?

Volunteers hold such a dear spot in our programming. They are the first kind voice or smiling face that our clients see when they come in for assistance and they work tirelessly behind the scenes to support staff and clients. Our volunteer spotlight this quarter is Cheri Sutton. She has taken on our donation inventory and works diligently to make sure that client needs are met. Cheri has such a huge heart for volunteering at Abigail’s Arms, we couldn’t do what we do without her. 😊If you would like more information about volunteer opportunities, please give us a call at 940-665-2873.

As Abigail’s Arms has grown through the years we have found that the need for funding is also growing… and ever-changing. While we work to find and access state and federal funding, we have a need for funds that do not have as many “strings attached”. Local donations and foundation grants help us sustain many of the services and personal items we provide for clients. Some of which are not allowed under the larger grants we have. Our biggest need is funding for our VOCE Team. This team provides a huge impact on the children in our communities by helping them find their “voice”. Working within the local school systems our team engages staff and students in opportunities to learn healthy relationships, anti-bullying, self-esteem, and respect for others. These conversations are geared toward building leaders in the classroom and beyond. Students and staff feel connected to resources when needed and feel safe having conversations about how to create positive change in their community. This work is typically labeled as Prevention and funding for these programs are limited. But we at Abigail’s Arms have seen the impact this team has had in the schools and are passionate about making sure the program remains a valued and stable support for the schools. To do that Abigail’s Arms will be doing our first annual fundraiser! Our Roses and Racehorses for HOPE event will be May 3^rd, 2025 at the Winstar Convention Center. This event will be a Kentucky Derby watch party-themed event with fun, food, auction items, and of course – the Kentucky Derby Race. More information can be found at the QR listed below or by calling us at 940-665-2873 or email me at gjohnson@abigailsarms.org.  

UPDATES | NEWS

Our Volunteers Shine

Congratulations to Cheri Sutton for being awarded AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteer of the Year for Cooke County. This annual award is given to a volunteer in our county for their volunteerism. Abigail's Arms sincerely appreciates the numerous volunteers who give their time and talents to serve families in our community. Volunteers are the heart and soul of our community and give their time, skills, and energy without expecting anything in return. Their selflessness and dedication have a profound impact that brings about positive change and support for those needing safety and support.

The first step to volunteering is to attend the Agent of Change class. Details below for registering for the class.

Empowering families to live a life free from violence.

We have FREE and CONFIDENTIAL services for domestic violence and sexual assault.

Call our 24-hour hotline at 940-665-CURE(2873)

or visit www.AbigailsArms.org.

SURVIVOR'S STORY

VIDEOS FOR CRAFTING FUN!

AWARENESS & WELL-BEING

Do you know the Red Flags of Abuse?

There is no way to spot an abuser in a crowd, but abusers tend to share some characteristics in common. Some of the subtle warning signs are someone who:

• Wants to move too quickly into the relationship.
• Early in the relationship flatters you constantly, and seems “too good to be true.”
• Wants you all to him- or herself; insists that you stop spending time with your friends or family.
• Insists that you stop participating in hobbies or activities, quit school, or quit your job.
• Does not honor your boundaries.
• Is excessively jealous and accuses you of being unfaithful.
• Wants to know where you are all of the time and frequently calls, emails, and texts you throughout the day.
• Criticizes or puts you down; says you are crazy, stupid, and/or fat/unattractive, or that no one else would ever want or love you.
• Takes no responsibility for his or her behavior and blames others.
• Has a history of abusing others.
• Blames the entire failure of previous relationships on his or her former partner; for example, “My ex was totally crazy.”
• Takes your money or runs up your credit card debt.
• Rages out of control with you but can maintain composure around others.

Abuse is never the fault of the victim and it can be hard for many reasons, including safety, to end the relationship. If you experience these “red flags,” you can confide in a friend or reach out for support from a domestic violence advocate. If you believe a friend or relative is being abused, offer your nonjudgmental support and help.

THANK YOU!

Thank You, Common Threads Quilt Guild!

We are so grateful to the talented members of the Common Threads Quilt Guild for their beautiful quilt donations. Each quilt is a symbol of warmth, comfort, and care for the individuals and families we serve. Your generosity and creativity have truly touched our hearts and will bring comfort to many.

Thank you for wrapping our community in love, one quilt at a time! 

EVENTS AND TRAINING

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Thank You!