Many people don't know that when a woman finally decides to leave an abusive relationship, that is the hardest part she will face. She may lose her home, her job (from missing work due to hospitalizations or embarrassing bruises), many of her personal items and maybe even her vehicle, her childcare or even her children, and many of her friends and emotional support (neighbors, etc.). She will have to try to find a place to stay and help reestablish herself on her own. She will undoubtedly have self-esteem problems and poor direction or goals. Many women leave their situation and don't have the time or the means to take enough of the correct clothing. For that reason, the MCC Women's Leadership Group, the MCC Career and Reentry Center, and the MCC Sustainability Team are collaborating on a project to ensure that these women have the clothing they need to get or keep their jobs. This can eliminate just a small amount of the stress that goes along with their situation. This project also involves Cup O' Karma (the wonderful coffee shop across Southern from MCC), and the Support, Education, Empowerment & DirectionS (SEEDs) program to which all of their proceeds are donated. For more information on the coffee shop and support program, click here: SEEDS and here Cup O' Karma
Our clothing drive begins on Monday November 1 and the collection bins will be in the Library. There will be bins to place purses, women's shoes, accessories (jewelry, belts, scarves), toiletries, and a clothing rack for suits, skirts, pants, and blouses. You can also support the effort by stopping in for coffee or snacks at Cup O' Karma Community Cafe for a Cause at 1710 W Southern in Mesa.
Domestic violence isn't just about battered women. The victims can be men, women, children, or even beloved pets. The abusers can be parents, siblings, significant others, or adult children. The Bravery Project is a local organization to support survivors of domestic violence. On their website, you can read many stories of survivors, and unfortunately, some stories are of the surviving family members of victims that did not survive their abuse. Please take a few minutes to click here to read the stories and see the scope of the violence of abuse: The Bravery Project You may even know someone that is currently experiencing problems. You should be there to listen and support them, and help them when they are ready to leave their situation. But most of all, you need to be aware that this sort of abuse is happening all around you, every day.
Public Service Announcement Please view this powerful PSA and remember the message.
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