Each week, staff writer Meredith Moss profiles a non-profit organization in our community in need of basic supplies. If your group’s wish list would like to be featured, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
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Over the past 30 years, Artemis Center has served more than 90,000 victims of domestic violence in the greater Dayton area. The Center serves over 5,000 victims and their children each year.
According to the non-profit organization, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women — more than auto accidents, muggings and sexual assaults combined. Every nine seconds a woman is battered.
“Think about that, the leading cause of injury to women is being abused by someone they love and with whom they have a relationship,” says executive director director Judy Strnad. “Additionally, many of the women we serve have children, and domestic violence affects them dramatically. Children from homes with domestic violence are five to seven times more likely to have significant psychological problems.”
The Center’s goal is to empower victims of domestic violence to make decisions and choices that will establish and maintain safety for themselves and their children. Additionally, community education and advocacy programs help to create community best practice responses to victims of domestic violence.
Service programs include a 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline (in collaboration with the YWCA of Dayton), court advocacy, general advocacy, referrals to legal assistance, support and education groups, information and referral, community education, workplace safe from domestic violence program and child therapy. All client services and most training and facilitation services are provided free of charge.
One of the many ways the community can support Artemis Center is by donating goods.
“We are humbled by the level of commitment to our cause and generosity our community provides,” says executive director Judy Strnad. “Without this support we would not be able to continue our mission and break the cycle of Domestic Violence.”
Here’s what they need:
- Diapers, especially larger child/toddler sizes
- Paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent and other household cleaning products
- Food pantry items such as canned meats, canned fish, boxes of macaroni and cheese, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, peanut butter, canned fruit, canned drinks, canned soup, cake mixes and icing and individually wrapped snacks
- 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 Wal-mart, Meijer or Kroger to meet emergency needs of clients and their children, in $10, $25 and $50 increments
- RTA Bus Tokens, cab fare for clients, donations to Nancy Grigsby Survivor fund (which is used to help keep victims safe)
Your donations can be taken to the Center between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The address is 310 W. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH, 45402.
The Domestic Violence Hotline Number is (937) 222-SAFE (7233). The organization is always in need of good volunteers. If you're interested, there's an application form on the website: www.artemiscenter.org
Other ways to help: Artemis Center is gearing up for Artemis Gone Riding, a bicycle tour and brunch along the scenic Miami Items Valley Bikeways. The event is slated for Saturday, Sept. 26 behind Wegerzyn Gardens. Participants pick their best costumes and rally friends, family and colleagues to create fund-raising Pedal Crews.
Riders have their choice of three distances to pedal — 10, 16, or 22 mile paths (round trip). The special day will also include an all-you-can eat pancake breakfast. Local artisans and vendors will be on hand, and there will be a family fun zone. To learn more about Artemis Center and Artemis Gone Riding, go to www.artemiscenter.org or contact Lori Halley at (937) 496-1387.
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