SBAP’s HELP MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Unemployment, layoffs, reduced hours, bill collectors, home foreclosures, increased financial pressure, stress. Many of us are experiencing these and other anxiety producing challenges resulting from our economy. According to the National Institute of Justice, employment instability and financial strain are both significant risk factors for intimate partner violence against women.

At Susan B. Anthony Project we are experiencing the effects of the economic downturn. During 2009, the rate of calls to our crisis line increased by 96%. In June, July and August this year we received 626 calls to our 24-hour crisis line, compared to 319 calls during the same time period in 2008.

Our greatest concern is that financial strain will keep victims, primarily women, in abusive relationships because they see no options. Susan B. Anthony Project offers options, safety, and opportunity.

Meet Danielle, who came to the Susan B. Anthony Project’s shelter seeking safety with her two year old son in early 2008. Their lives had been shattered by domestic violence. After a few months in the shelter, they moved into one of SBAP’s Transitional Living apartments. Danielle had dreams of becoming a nurse and was able to make her first step in this direction by taking Certificate Nursing Assistant training at Northwestern Connecticut Community College. SBAP provided her with financial assistance, thanks to a grant from the Melville Charitable Trust’s Educational Opportunities Project. Danielle’s next hurdle will be to find a job to support herself and her son. Lacking a car, however, her options were limited. A friend of Susan B. Anthony Project donated a car with hopes that one of our clients could use it. Danielle was the recipient of this generous gift.

Now, Danielle has a safe place to live, marketable job skills, a car, and the self confidence to begin interviewing for a job — options, safety and opportunity in action.

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