As the only domestic violence organization in Bucks County, Pa., A Woman's Place (AWP) provides comprehensive free, private, and confidential service, support, education, outreach, and advocacy to victims of domestic abuse and violence and their children and the community. To learn more, scroll through the links below, explore the menu items on the left of your screen, or, for general information, please emailor call 215.343.9241.
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The "A Difference in a Day" Campaign has ended and in just four short months $60,298.00 in individual donations were made towards our goal of $65,000.00! That means we end the campaign at 93% of our goal thanks to you, our donor! Every one of you made a difference!
In just one day... 2 women miscarried as a result of domestic violence, 3 women were murdered by their intimate partners, 7 children were killed in domestic violence homicides, and 7 babies were born to mothers living in shelters.*
On September 15, 2009, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) conducted its National Census of Domestic Violence Services for the fourth year in a row. This one-day, unduplicated count of adults and children seeking domestic abuse and violence services nationwide, offers a glimpse of what services domestic violence organizations throughout the country are able to provide and where more resources are needed.
In just one day, the 61 domestic violence organizations throughout the state of Pennsylvania provided services for 2,597 victims. A Woman's Place (AWP), alone, provided services to 79 victims. Although able to provide services for so many people on a single day, there were not enough resources to serve everybody. AWP had to turn away 4 women and 7 children on September 15th due to our shelter being full. Statewide, 365 requests were unmet as a cause of critical shortages of funds and staff to assist the needs of victims.
365 unmet requests in one day translate into more than 133,000 unmet requests in a year. Although there is great work being done there is still more of a demand. At AWP, our goal is bold - to raise $65,000 by June 30, 2010 through our "A Difference In A Day" Campaign. This can only happen with the help of you, our supporter. With a one-time gift of $50 or more from you and each one of our donors, we can meet that goal! It is a simple as clicking here. Every gift makes a difference.
A Woman's Place (AWP) wants to know who your are, why you give, and how we can be a better organization for the community!
After all, it is because of you, the donor, that we are here and are able to do what we do.
Click here and take a few minutes to fill out this quick donor survey. Not only does it ensure that your information is up-to-date, it gives us a window into what interests you about the organization so that you look forward to reading our printed materials and newsletters!
May 6th was National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. AWP does extensive work with children who have been victims of domestic violence as well as those who have parents who have been victims.
The following story is about Steven*, a young boy who went through our Children's Project, as told by our Children's Advocate, Erin:
"I started seeing Steven when he was just about ready to turn 8 years old. A custody arrangement had been incorporated into the PFA. Stephen's communication with his mom was minimal. He would avoid conversations and had a tendency to lie to his mom often. For the first few months, he would come to the AWP office and would always want to do art projects. We started to incorporate a variety of board games such as chess, Escape from Anger Island, Choose, and Circle of Friends, among others. He actually started opening up pretty quickly regarding his visitations and life at school. Steven also identified with the two books I gave him to read: When Good Isn't Good Enough and Stress Can Really Get on Your Nerves. The first time there was a concern that I wanted his mom to know about, he agreed to tell her. When she came into the room, he changed his mind and told me I would need to tell her. Steven then proceeded to lay on the floor with his head under the bean bag while I told his mom the concern. He started to identify that he was afraid and worried when he wasn't perfect. Over a few more weeks, this process became much easer. It gradually turned into telling his mom while sitting under the table to verbalizing his feelings to her while sitting at the table. At the same time, his mom began participating more in meetings. Specifically, when we were finished playing the board game Circle of Respect, I remember Steven saying to some affect "let me hold that mom... oh... that is like the game.... it feels good to do that." Recently, Steven started asserting himself. He also has agreed to meet with the school counselor regarding a bully at school."
To see some of the artwork our children clients have created as part of their counseling, visit our Facebook page by clicking here.
*The client's name has been changed to protect his identity.
AWP has started our own blog to discuss current events pertinent to our mission and to pass along stories of what we are doing in a more interactive way! Click here to check it out!!
Sign Up for AWP's Community E-Connection - an electronic publication!
Now you can get the latest news from AWP delivered directly to your email inbox! Community E-Connection is AWP's new electronic newsletter. To subscribe, click here to email your contact information.
Elder Advocate AWP seeks a full-time Elder Adocate, responsible for peer support and crisis intervention services to victims of domestic and dating abuse and violence. Requires a flexible schedule, local travel, and reliable transportation. EOE. Email resume to S. James or fax 215-343-3411. No phone calls please.
Join AWP's Recycling Team!
AWP will turn your trash to treasure when you donate your used cell phones and toner cartridges! It's good for you - clears out that clutter! Good for the environment - saves landfill space! And great for us - helps fund AWP projects and programs!
Drop off your collection to AWP's Administrative Office, located at the corner of Almshouse Road and Route 611 in Doylestown, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information or to set up a collection spot at your business or group's meeting place, call 215.343.9241.
