Aaniin (Greetings)

Friends and Relatives of Women’s Advocates, 

As the year comes to a close, I am filled with deep gratitude for the unwavering support of compassionate individuals like you. This season of reflection inspires hope and renewal, reminding us that even through hardship, there are always opportunities for healing and new beginnings. Your contributions—whether through our Domestic Violence Awareness Month fundraiser, Give to the Max Day, volunteering, in-kind gifts, or other acts of kindness—have been a constant source of hope for victim-survivors and youth we serve in the Twin Cities Metro.

This year held special meaning as we gathered to honor Women’s Advocates’ 50th anniversary, marking five decades as the nation’s first shelter for victim-survivors of domestic violence. It was a powerful moment to reflect on the legacy of resilience and compassion that defines our community. As we look ahead, we acknowledge the challenges that remain, especially with decreased federal funding and rising needs across our state.

In this season of gratitude, we invite you to renew your support by making a donation. Your contribution helps provide safety and hope for those navigating the uncertainty of domestic violence. Whether through a one-time gift or by setting up recurring monthly donations, your support is driving meaningful change, fueling our efforts to expand and double our shelter beds through our Capital Campaign. This will ensure that we can continue serving victim-survivors of all genders, sexualities, and abilities—now and into the future.

As we move through the holiday season and look ahead to the new year, I wish you and your loved ones happiness, peace, and the knowledge that your support has truly made a difference. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission and the positive change we are creating together.

Respectfully and Zhawenim (unconditional love),

Season Of Healing

Supporting Victim-Survivors

The holiday season can be especially challenging for victim-survivors of domestic violence, particularly for those in emergency shelters or rebuilding their lives after abuse. The pressure to create the “perfect holiday” often adds emotional and financial stress. As Saran Cryer, Mental Health & Wellness Counselor, shares, “Victim-survivors can be overwhelmed with guilt and sadness, especially when they are away from home and explaining the changes to their children.” For many, the holidays can heighten feelings of grief and loss, turning what is typically a time of connection into one of isolation. Roxy Walker, Manager of Shelter & Advocacy Services, explains, “The holidays may no longer feel like a time of celebration due to loss—whether it’s the death of a loved one or the breakdown of family ties.”

You can help bring relief and strength to victim-survivors and their children by participating in our gift card drive, showing them that they are valued and supported, even by those they've never met.

Your contribution makes a powerful statement: You are not alone.

Strength in Community

Domestic Violence

Awareness Month

October was a monumental month for Women's Advocates as we honored Domestic Violence Awareness Month and hosted our 50th Anniversary Gala. This special evening reflected on five decades of hope and healing while reaffirming our mission to provide life-saving support for all victim-survivors, regardless of gender, sexuality, or ability. A highlight of the evening was a proclamation from Governor Tim Walz’s office, officially designating October 17 as Women’s Advocates Day in Minnesota. The night also featured an inspiring message from Senator Amy Klobuchar and a heartfelt reading of, "a mother's devotion" by RikkiFuriosa The Artist, which can be viewed by clicking here!

In addition to the gala, we generated significant awareness about intimate partner violence in our community. Women’s Advocates was featured on KARE 11 and in the Pioneer Press and Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, helping bring visibility to our work and our future goals. To further amplify our impact, we partnered with six sister organizations across the country to raise national awareness of our shared mission and our journeys to advocate for victim-survivors across the U.S. 

We are thrilled to share we exceeded our fundraising goal, raising over $135,000 during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to support individuals and families we serve. Together, we are building a safer, more compassionate future for all!

Paw-sitive Impact

Canine Inspired Change

We’re excited to launch Canine Inspired Change (CIC) sessions at Women’s Advocates! CIC combines dog training and therapy to promote social and emotional wellness in a fun, safe environment. The program helps participants build important life skills like patience, self-calming, compassion, and confidence. Each session is tailored to enhance teamwork, self-awareness, boundaries, and kindness.

"It’s so neat to see the participants learn how to best communicate with each dog," said Jonathan Wharton, Youth Engagement Coordinator, pictured with Elsa Jane The Great Dane. "One notable observation seen at every session is watching the dog handlers share the skill sets and limitations of each dog, much as one explains the boundaries one has for themselves or their loved ones." 

STAY CONNECTED