Each week, columnist Meredith Moss profiles a non-profit organization in our community in need of specific supplies. If your group would like to share a wish list with our readers, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
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Did you know that domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women — more than auto accidents, rape and muggings combined?
According to Dayton’s Artemis Center, which has served more than 95,000 victims over the years, national studies have found that about one in four women will be a victim of domestic violence.
“In 2015, Artemis served 5,300 clients and took 3,495 crisis calls — up 5 percent and 6 percent respectively from 2014,” explains Lori Halley, director of marketing and development for the non-profit organization that has been providing services to the community for more than three decades. “Without Artemis Center services, individuals in the community will not have access to advocate support to create personalized safety plans, navigate the court system, referrals to community services, and individual and peer support.”
Artemis believes that domestic violence is a societal problem experienced in our community, and the solution must be community-based. It works with other service providers to meet victim needs through a 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline (in collaboration with the YWCA of Dayton), court and general advocacy, referrals to legal assistance, support and education groups, information and referral, community education, a workplace program and child therapy. All services are provided free of charge.
Frequently, women and children come to Artemis Center with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. That’s why many businesses, organizations and individuals support Artemis Center by donating or holding donation drives to provide families experiencing domestic violence with the necessities for daily living — food, personal hygiene items, school supplies, household items, etc.
Here is what Artemis Center currently needs:
- Food pantry items such as macaroni and cheese, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned fish, canned meat, individually wrapped snacks (raisins, chips, granola bars, nut-free, etc.), rice, beans, cereal, frozen food, ready- to-make meals, pancake mix and syrup, cake mixes & icing.
- Toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, laundry detergent, cleaning wipes and other household cleaning products.
- Cell phones to either refurbish for clients or to recycle for program revenue. Please remove all personal information and SIM cards. Phone accessories are not necessary.
- Gift cards to Walmart, Meijer or Kroger to meet emergency needs of clients and their children in $10, $25 and $50 increments.
- RTA Bus Tokens, cab fare, gas cards
Donations can be taken to Artemis Center between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The address is 310 W. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH, 45402. Phone (937) 461-5091.
These upcoming fund-raising events will also benefit Artemis:
- "Artemis Gone Riding," a cycling event to end domestic violence slated for Saturday, Aug. 27 at Wegerzyn Gardens in Dayton.
- "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" – A collaborative 5K Run/Walk to fund the Domestic Violence Hotline shared by Artemis Center and YWCA Dayton. It's slated for Sept. 17 at the University of Dayton River Campus.
- "Breaking the Cycle, " a free benefit breakfast on Thursday, Oct. 20 at Sinclair's Ponitz Center.
- Nina McDaniel Memorial Benefit, a tribute to 50s & 60s Rock and Roll featuring The Van-Dells, Saturday, Oct. 22 at Centerville High School's performing arts theater.
- The 27th annual Artemis Gala on March 11 at Sinclair Community College's Ponitz Center.
- For more information on these events, check out www.artemiscenter.org or call (937) 461-5091. The Domestic Violence Hotline Number is (937) 222-SAFE.
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