Domestic Violence Shelter Issues Urgent Plea for Donations

Press release from Rebecca Smith:

June 22, 2021

Domestic violence is on the rise. During the pandemic, calls to the Bergen County-based Center for Hope and Safety’s free 24/7 hotline have increased 46%. During that time, they have answered more than 6,150 calls helping more than 1,190 adults and children find safety from domestic abuse.

While calls are up, funding is significantly down as grant funding has been slashed and private donations have stalled.

Executive Director, Julye Myner is making an urgent plea to the community for support of the Center’s Time of Hope fundraising campaign which seeks to raise $100,000 by June 30th to ensure that vital programs and services such as safe housing, legal services, therapy, career counseling and financial planning programs can continue.

Without the funding, many of these vital support services will need to be significantly reduced or eliminated.

For Maria, a domestic abuse survivor who escaped during the pandemic with the help of Center for Hope and Safety, a reduction in services would be devastating. With the Center’s help, Maria and her children were able to find safety from her abuser. In addition to safe housing, Maria is rebuilding her life with the resources and vital support services that the Center provides including legal services and career counseling.

Unfortunately, there are countless individuals like Maria desperately seeking to no longer be a victim but to become a survivor.

To make a donation and support the Center’s mission of rebuilding lives beyond domestic violence visit: https://chsnj.salsalabs.org/timeofhopecampaign2021/index.html.

This press release was produced by Rebecca Smith. The views expressed here are the author’s own.