Laurel House Blog

Photos from Marian's Attic Fashion Show

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:39:00 +0000

We love all the photos that folks have been sending us of last week's Marian's Attic Fashion Show. (Missed it? We've uploaded a bunch of them to our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/laurelhouse or you can view them right here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=156110&id=638404832&l=1d23308f70

And if you like what you see fashion-wise, stop by Marian's Attic. Since all the fashions and accessories at the show came right from the shop, you'll find something just perfect for spring.

Marian's Attic is located in the Valley Forge Shopping Center in King of Prussia, PA (exact address is 255 Town Center Road). Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. We're open late on Thursdays until 8 p.m.

Donations of gently-used womens, men's, and children's clothing, accessories, shoes, costume jewelry, household items (no furniture, sorry), knickknacks and collectibles, books, videos, and DVDs are accepted during business hours and a tax receipt will be gladly provided. For more information about Marian's Attic, call 610-337-3068.

In Just One Day

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:08:00 +0000

Laurel House was among 1,648 domestic violence programs throughout the United States country that participated in a national project called Domestic Violence Counts: A 24 Hour Census of Domestic Violence Shelters and Services. It is coordinated through the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), and this is the 4th year for the project.

Shelters are asked to track their statistics for one day (which Laurel House does every day for funding requirements). The results, released today in recognition of International Women's Day (but with the full understanding that domestic violence does not discriminate against gender), are shocking.

83% of the country's domestic violence programs collectively tracked their statistics for one designated day, September 15, 2009.

Within those programs, 65,321 adults and children were assisted through shelter, transitional housing, and advocacy.

23,045 hotline calls were answered (that's over 16 calls every minute!)

30,735 people were trained at 1,468 community education sessions.

9,280 requests for services went unmet because of a lack of resources or staffing. 60% of the unmet requests were for emergency shelter or transitional housing and 40% of the unmet requests were for non-residential services.

17,445 children under the age of 18 spent the night of September 15, 2009 in a domestic violence shelter or transitional housing program - far more than the approximately 11,000 children born every day across the U.S.

7 babies were born in a domestic violence shelter or transitional housing program.

For the full 2009 report and state summaries, please go to www.nnedv.org/census.

On Domestic Violence as the Perfect Winter Storm

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:23:00 +0000

What an unprecedented winter this has been! As I write this post, we're in the midst of yet another storm, and the snow continues to swirl and drift in gusts outside my window. What we thought was expected is now different. What was planned is now cancelled, postponed, changed.

In a way, it's similar to what happens to so many people who are affected by domestic violence, isn't it?

Domestic violence is the perfect winter storm - of warnings and advisories and states of emergencies, of confusion swirling about, of coldness, of the not knowing what to expect on our doorstep in the morning.

And yet, always, in the midst of the storm and its aftermath there is help in the kindness of strangers, of the dedication of those in caring professions and those protecting others.

We saw this firsthand during the blizzard earlier this month. Although our administrative offices closed for two days, our shelter remained open and operating because during the February blizzard, there were 9 women and 9 children in crisis who needed shelter from the storms of domestic abuse in their lives.

Our staff member Michelle Malone and relief worker Robbin Garrett stayed at Laurel House's shelter from the morning of February 9 until the afternoon of February 12, so that those 9 women and 9 kids could be safe. In the coldest of days, that type of dedication is inspiring - and heartwarming.

It's also an example of why your financial support is so needed. Without your monetary gifts to Laurel House, there wouldn't have been a Michelle or Robbin at the shelter for three straight days.

There wouldn't have been a hotline for the young mother to call, the one who carried her infant in her arms while walking to the shelter in the blizzard.

There wouldn't have been heat, or the electricity to cook a warm meal or draw a hot bath.

We were there in the storm, and we are there in this storm, too.

And Laurel House will be there in the storm of domestic violence for as long as we are needed.

Be Part of Laurel House's 30th Anniversary "Tribute and Wish" Book

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:50:00 +0000

As part of our year long celebration of Laurel House's 30 years of service to the community, we are compiling an electronic “Tribute and Wish” Book. This e-Book will be a place for colleagues, supporters and community members to share their good wishes for Laurel House. The Tribute Book will first be displayed at our upcoming 30th Anniversary Gala to be held at Meadowlands Country Club in Blue Bell on April 17, 2010. Following that event, the e-Book will be highlighted on our website for the remainder of the year.

We are reaching out to you to ask you to consider creating a “Wish” or a “Tribute” to be included in the e-Book. The cost to place a wish or tribute (consisting of a maximum of 100 characters) is just $30.00. All funds raised by this initiative will be used to support our direct service programs, as well as our community education/dating violence prevention efforts.

Larger ads, as well as “Tributes or “Wishes” of more than 100 characters, are also available:

Full Page (8 ½” x 11”)
$500.00

Half Page (8 ½” x 5 ½”)
$250.00

Quarter Page (4 ¼” x 5 ½”)
$100.00

30th Anniversary Message (100 characters maximum)
$30.00

General conditions:
All camera ready ads are subject to the approval of Laurel House. Please email to dhammett@laurel-house.org.
Payment must be made in full with ad and is non-refundable. Please make checks payable to Laurel House.
Camera ready art, Hi-Res PDF or EPS format preferred.

We value our on-going relationship with our community supporters, and we very much appreciate your consideration of our request. Please feel free to contact Beth Sturman, Executive Director, with questions or for more information about our upcoming 30th Anniversary Gala or other 30th Anniversary activities. Beth can be reached via email at: bsturman@laurel-house.org, or by phone at: 610-277-1860, ext. 113. Thank you.

PECO Energy Warms Hearts with Donation to Laurel House

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:42:00 +0000

Outside, it's quite cold - but our hearts (and those of the families in our shelter) are warm, thanks to a recent fundraiser held by PECO Energy.

Each December, PECO employees at the Plymouth Service Building coordinate a baked goods and craft sale to benefit selected nonprofits in the immediate community. For the second consecutive year, PECO employees selected Laurel House as a beneficiary.

Laurel House was delighted to receive $420.00, representing a portion of the event's proceeds. (Our friends at Fellowship House in Conshohocken received the other portion.)

Attending the January 28 check presentation were (from left to right, pictured above) PECO representatives Nancy Mifflin and Eileen Mather; Beth Sturman, Executive Director of Laurel House; and PECO employees Cheryl Dowd, Sue Campbell, and Dave MacFarland.

Dave MacFarland, Manager of Support Services - Training, Methods, M&DS for PECO, wrote us a letter that explained why PECO selected Laurel House.

"We used this ... activity to raise money which could be given as a donation to a local agency that is focused on improving the lives of others. Your organization, the Laurel House, was identified as one of the agencies near our service building that is positively impacting the community .... Your efforts to help the families, specifically abused women and children, has not gone unnoticed."

Thank you, Dave, and everyone else at PECO. With the cold temperatures this weekend, this donation warms our hearts as we will use these much-needed funds to warm the hearts of the 11 women and 10 kids who are calling our shelter home.

The Malvern School to Host Chick-fil-A Fundraiser on 1/25 to Benefit LH

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:50:00 +0000

Join us for dinner at the Chick-fil-A in Audubon, PA on Monday, January 25! The Malvern School of West Norriton will be hosting a Spirit Night to benefit Laurel House and everyone is invited.

DATE: Monday, January 25
TIME: 5 - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Chick-fil-A, 680 S. Trooper Road, West Norriton, PA

A portion of all sales between 5 - 8 p.m. will be donated to Laurel House. (Even drive-thru orders count, too!)

There will also be a prize wheel for $1, with 100% of all proceeds from the prize wheel being donated to Laurel House.

Thanks so much to our friends and the students at The Malvern School of West Norriton for organizing this event. We hope to see you there!

From Our Families: A Holiday Thank You

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:30:00 +0000

These emails of thanks just arrived in our in-box, and because you've been so generous this holiday season, we wanted you to hear how your generosity has brought the spirit of the season to two Laurel House families.

"I can hardly put into words how I feel about what you all have brought to me this Christmas. I actually feel the joy of this season. I was floored when I saw everything I asked for in front of me. Please know I am so grateful & I am sooooo looking forward to sharing these gifts with my son. Thank you. Thank you! BTW, I'm scheduled to pick up my key for permanent housing on Jan 25!!"

And this:

"Thank you sooo much! We are indebted to your organization forever. The presents were great for the kids and I now have People pc (dial up) for my internet access at home. I will try to stop in today for the [donated] ballet tickets and on Monday go to Philadelphia to redeem them HOPEFULLY for the Dec 29th performance (my daughter T.'s birthday)."

Thank you, for giving the spirit of the season through your gifts to Laurel House.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday and happy, healthy 2010!

It's Snow Problem: Finish All Your Holiday Shopping with a Gift to Laurel House

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 13:37:00 +0000

Can't get out to the malls and stores today to finish your holiday shopping? It's snow problem!You can cross everyone off your list from the comforts of your house today while giving a gift that supports the families at Laurel House.

Here's one idea:

Sponsor the Children’s Program for a Day

The shelter is usually filled with children (there are currently 16 children in the shelter today!) and we also have children living in our transitional housing apartments. Our Children’s Program costs approximately $180 a day.

You can Sponsor a Day in the Children's Program for $180 ... or a half day for $90, or a quarter of a day for $45.

Your gift will pay for needed supplies for the children’s playroom at the Shelter, fund a trained Children’s Advocate to work with the moms and kids in our Transitional Housing Program, and make it possible for a Laurel House staff member or volunteer to supervise the children in our Shelter to give their mothers a small, but much appreciated, break.

We'll even take care of acknowledging your gift directly to the person you are donating in honor of.

To Sponsor a Day in the Children's Program, click here to make your secure donation online. (You can also use the same form to make an end of year gift, or a donation in memory or in honor of someone.)

Happy Holidays from all of us at Laurel House!

Santa's Workshop? Or the Laurel House Conference Room?

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:45:00 +0000

It's beginning to look a lot like you-know-who's workshop here at Laurel House, as our conference room is filled more than a sleigh with brand new toys.

Thanks to our generous donors, we have an abundance of toys to give to the children in our housing and counseling programs during the holiday season. Already, the children have enjoyed several festive events in celebration of Hanukkah, Christmas, and soon, Kwanzaa.

We now have more than enough toys for the kids, but if you are still wishing to support the youngest survivors of domestic violence, please consider our Sponsor a Day in the Children's Program campaign. Here's how it works:

It costs approximately $180 per day to operate our children's program.

By Sponsoring a Day, your donation pays for needed supplies for the children's playroom at the shelter, funds a trained children's advocate to work with the moms and kids in our transitional housing program, and helps to make it possible for a Laurel House staff member or volunteer to supervise the children in the shelter to give the moms a small, but much appreciated, break.

You can sponsor a full day in the children's program for $180, a half day for $90, or a quarter of a day for $45.

This is a great way to recognize birthdays and anniversaries all throughout the year, or to remember someone special in your heart.

To make your gift online, click here to donate. (Remember to tell us what day you'd like to sponsor!)

6 Ways Your Grocery or Gift Card Helps Laurel House Families

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:15:00 +0000

"So, how do you actually use the gift cards for the families?" asked one of our donors.

It's a good question ... and it's one that has many answers. If you're thinking about making a gift card donation to Laurel House, or perhaps already have done so (thank you!), here are 6 ways that we use them to help a needy family:

1. We use them to purchase fresh produce, milk, eggs, bread, cheese, and other items for the meals in our emergency, confidential shelter. This helps to supplement donations of canned goods that we receive from collection drives.

2. Anyone who has moved into a new home knows that the first grocery bill is often higher than usual. It's the same for a family that's moving into one of the apartments in our transitional housing program. We like to give them a grocery gift card for that first shopping trip. Even $25 or $50 helps out.

3. We use Target and Walmart gift cards for similar purposes, too.

4. We have a counseling program for people who aren't ready to move into the shelter. Recently, we had a mom whose abuser was withholding food from her and her kids. They were hiding cans of tuna fish and peanut butter in their car so they wouldn't be without something to eat. We gave them a gift card so they could get a substantial meal.

5. There's always an unexpected need. Recently, one of the women's vacuum cleaners broke. A gift card helped her with some of the money needed to purchase a new one.

6. We recently gave a gift card to someone in our transitional housing program who had a special request. Her son is on his school's wrestling team and doing very well. To him, sports represents something that is constant in an uncertain life, and something he excels in. He outgrew his wrestling shoes and the mom did not have the funds to buy him a new pair. A gift card helped her surprise him with the shoes as an early holiday gift ... and allowed him to continue participating on the team.

To make a grocery or gift card donation, give us a call at 610-277-1860 or leave us a comment below.

Give Gifts that Give Back

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:29:00 +0000

Tis the season for gift-giving ... and this year, you have two opportunities to give gifts from the heart and that make a difference to others locally and throughout the world. Laurel House is participating in two Alternative Gift Markets.

Sunday, December 6 ~ 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
“Gifts from the Heart”
St. James U.C.C. Alternative Gift Market 2009
St. James UCC , 321 S. Limerick Road, Limerick, PA

The Alternative Gift Market allows shoppers’ charitable contributions to provide meaningful, non-material holiday gifts to worthy non-profit organizations in honor of their friends, families, and associates.

If you can't make it on Sunday, there's two more opportunities.

Monday, December 7, 2009 ~ 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
1st Annual Partners for Families Alternative Gift Market
Plymouth Meeting Mall at the Church on the Mall
Print out the shopping list
Laurel House is among the local and global organizations participating in this event sponsored by Partners for Families, a nonprofit faith-based organization in Norristown that transforms the lives of families.

And finally, Laurel House is offering new Holiday Giving Opportunities this year along with its popular Alternative Giving program. (Click here for details, and here for Laurel House's online donation page to make a gift in honor or in memory of someone.)

In this season of giving, thank you for considering Laurel House in your gift-giving plans.

A Winning Night for a Laurel House Family

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:02:00 +0000

Thanks to a donation of tickets from Verizon and the Philadelphia Eagles, Laurel House was able to provide a family with a night out at Lincoln Financial Field on November 8, where they had the opportunity to watch the Eagles take on the Cowboys.

Although their favorite team wasn't the victor, this family had a winning night, as the mom (Sarah) writes in this note to us.

I wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we had at the Eagles game on November 8. W. and R. were so excited to be going to the big game, Eagles vs. Cowboys. We got some Eagles gear, and made sure to take a blanket with us, and headed down early due to the SEPTA strike.

The kids and I had a friend who reserved us a parking spot in the closest lot, and when we went into the game, two kind strangers gave us complimentary passes to go down on to the field. It was very exciting to go in the stadium, under all of the bright lights and see our team come out onto the field. R. and W. ate chicken tenders, pizza, and had many hot chocolates. Despite the late night, and that the Eagles did not prevail, we had a great time. All of the people around us in our section got a kick out of our “die hard mini fans” in the making.

We will never forget the night at the Linc, under the big lights, cuddling together to cheer our team on. I had moments where I got nervous because of the high energy crowd, and crazy parking lot, but my kids just took it all in, and trusted that mommy knew what she was doing. I felt so proud of them.

Thank you so much for extending the tickets to my family. It was a gift we will remember forever.

With regards,

Sarah

Teens Host Spaghetti Dinner and Bingo Night to Benefit Laurel House

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +0000

At Laurel House, we're grateful to have so many teens and tweens who volunteer and organize projects (such as cell phone collection drives and special events) to support our families. We're proud of them for helping in our efforts in their community and for taking a stand to end domestic abuse.

We're especially proud of our partnership with the Teen Leaders Club of the Indian Valley Family YMCA. This incredible group of teenagers has been planning a Spaghetti Dinner and Bingo Night fundraiser for Laurel House ... and everyone is invited to join in the feast and the fun!

WHAT: Spaghetti Dinner and Bingo Night

DATE: Friday, November 20
TIME: 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

PLACE: Indian Valley Family YMCA

890 Maple Avenue

Harleysville, PA 215-723-3569

Adults (12&up) $5.00 per person
Children (4-11) $3.00
Children (Under 3) FREE

Early-Bird Special (Seniors 60+) $4.00
5:00-6:00

BINGO starts at 7:00 p.m.
Every family: 1 card per person

50/50 Raffle

For JUST BINGO and NO DINNER – 50 cents per game

The Teen Leaders Club at the Indian Valley Family YMCA is a program created and implemented by teens under the supervision of adult advisors. Teens learn leadership skills through community involvement, intergenerational activities, special events, rallies, web site design, and more.

Come out and show your support for Laurel House ... and for this great group of teen leaders who are making a positive difference in our community!

Marian's Attic Hosts Cash 4 Gold Party on November 19

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:55:00 +0000

Marian's Attic, the upscale resale boutique benefitting the programs of Laurel House, is hosting a Cash 4 Gold Party.

Thursday, November 19th
5 to 8 p.m.

Bring your GOLD jewelry (all karats) to Marian’s Attic and collect CASH!!

Jewelry • Single Earrings • Broken Chains • Coins

J&L Antiques will weigh and evaluate your GOLD and pay you CASH.

Enjoy wine & cheese and shop while you wait!

Marian’s Attic
Valley Forge Center, 255 Town Center Road
King of Prussia

Please call 610.337.3068
for more information.

3rd Annual Fine Arts & Craft Show to Benefit Laurel House

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:15:00 +0000

Saturday, November 14
Fine Arts & Craft Show
Clubhouse at The Reserve at Gwynedd Upper Gwynedd
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

With an emphasis on items that are of the highest quality, green, ethical, and made in the USA, the Reserve at Gwynedd presents its 3rd Annual Fine Crafts & Art Show, with proceeds benefiting Laurel House. As of press time, 25 artisans are signed up as exhibitors.

In 2008, the Show attracted 500 visitors and raised more than $1,000 for Laurel House.

Thank you to our friends at The Reserve at Gwynedd for coordinating this show to help families in Montgomery County who are affected by domestic violence!

Temple University Students "Talk Frankly" with Laurel House and NBC10's Tracy Davidson

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:40:00 +0000

Today's edition of the Temple News (a publication at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa.) has a story by Temple News writer Sergei Blair about last week's campus event about dating violence. Laurel House's Tommie Wilkins, director of domestic violence education, and NBC10 anchor Tracy Davidson led the presentation. Read the article in its entirety below or by clicking here.

Students ‘talk frankly’ about abuse
November 10, 2009 by Sergei Blair

An NBC10 anchor and local abuse shelter education coordinator teamed up to discuss dating violence and domestic abuse at a campus event.

The issue of dating violence and domestic abuse is seldom discussed publicly. For many victims, it’s a personal subject. Some Temple students, however, attended an event last week at the Student Center to share their personal experiences and give encouragement to other abuse victims.

About 50 students and faculty members attended the event “Talking Frankly,” hosted by the Dean of Students Office. The hour-and-a-half talk, led by Tommie Wilkins, director of training and education at Laurel House domestic abuse shelter in Norristown, was highlighted with a special appearance by NBC 10 anchor Tracy Davidson.

The two discussed dating and domestic abuse and how to handle situations of abuse, along with personal stories of how domestic violence affected them.

“I grew up with domestic violence, so I witnessed it for a long time, the control that somebody can have over another person,” Davidson told the audience.

Unfortunately for many in situations similar to Davidson’s, the problem of abuse can follow its victims into their college years. Recent data on college dating violence and abuse from the National Center for Victims of Crime indicates that 60 percent of acquaintance rapes on college campuses occur in causal or steady relationships. The report says of all documented cases, 54 percent of dating violence victims stay in physically abusive relationships.

Wilkins identified the cycle of violence as a three-step process that most couples find themselves in during their relationships: a tension-building phase, then a violence and abuse phase, followed by an apologetic honeymoon phase. She said each step of the cycle develops over time and may reveal itself in subtle ways without others suspecting anything. The cycle only ends when someone involved in it takes action to end it, she said.

“The abuser is not going to let it go,” Wilkins said. “If it’s the abuser ending it, it will end in death.”

During the discussion, an open forum was provided for students to ask questions. Some took the opportunity to open up and share their own stories of how dating abuse affected their lives. One student was overcome with emotions when she recalled instances of emotional abuse and bullying she suffered from acquaintances on campus and how her boyfriend ended up being the one person she could lean on through rough times.

“He knew how to take the emotional abuse that I felt from this school and hold me. All I wanted was someone to hear me and understand what I was going through,” she said.

Sexual crimes do not seem to dominate the crime statistics at Temple, which generally sees high numbers of robberies, thefts and aggravated assaults. According to figures from Campus Safety Services’ 2009 Annual Security and Fire Safety report, there were four documented cases of forcible sex offenses last year on Main Campus. That number decreased by 71 percent from 14 cases reported in 2007.

Wilkins explained that no matter what type of relationship it may be, the issue of dating and domestic abuse all boils down to a single issue – the power of control.

Wilkins said the power of control stems from the past and ultimately affects most relationships in the future. She added the most common way of thinking of most abusers have a lot to do with taking advantage of power they never had.

“Even though I grew up in a great home, somewhere in my life I felt powerless and out of control,” she explained. “This relationship is how I get that control back.”

Wilkins and Davidson teamed up on behalf of Laurel House, an independent nonprofit organization that provides shelter, medical care and legal advocacy, plus a free 24-hour help hotline for victims of abuse.After the discussion, students were offered resources for abuse prevention. Several on-campus clubs and organizations, including the Health Education Awareness Resource Team provided assistance and literature on the topic.

Among others, one small organization with a big presence at the event was LIFT. As part of a larger group, the National Student Partnerships founded by college undergraduates in 1998 to work side-by-side with low-income community members and college students, LIFT at Temple handles issues like poverty, healthcare, employment and education.

Student volunteer Trang Pham said her organization is also dedicated to helping victims of abuse.“We’ve seen a couple of times when our clients come in with bruises, and we just want to know how we can help them and how we can bring up the topic without making them feel uncomfortable,” she said.Although the event was primarily geared toward females, as they more often find themselves in abusive situations, several male students and faculty members joined the conversation as well.

“There are women out there who are physically and psychologically [abusive] to their boyfriends and husbands,” Wilkins said. “It’s no longer a gender issue where there’s this big guy beating up poor, helpless women. There are some scary women out there.”

Sergei Blair can be reached at sergei.blair@temple.edu.

Thank you, Sergei, for covering this event and raising awareness through your reporting about domestic abuse.

Mirror, Mirror Prompts Discussion About Dating Violence

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:27:00 +0000

Laurel House is a member of Tri-County Community Network, which recently worked with students at Pottstown High School (Pottstown, Pa.) on a student production called "Mirror, Mirror" about dating violence.

Here's the article from the Pottstown Mercury, 11/7/09. Laurel House extends congratulations to all the performers in this production for using your talents to bring attention to such an important issue.

POTTSTOWN — Pottstown High School students are playing their part to bring awareness to National Domestic Violence Month. Members of the Pottstown High Acting Troupe, under the direction of Joseph Perrone, performed "Mirror, Mirror" to a student audience. The project was a collaborative effort with the TriCounty Community Network. Cast members were Melissa Barboza, Isaih Robinson, Jessica Rhoads, Braxton Johnson, Dequan Washington and Hayley Steltz. Amanda Thomas was assistant director. Stage manager was Alex Argue.Representatives of Laurel House, Diamond Credit Union, Creative Health Services and Family Services led small group discussions about safe dating.

Laurel House's 5 Ideas for Simple, Unique and Meaningful Holiday Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:18:00 +0000

Every holiday season, we receive an abundance of toys and gifts for the women and children in Laurel House's shelter.

But we know the recession continues to be very tough on everyone, and we know (because you've told us!) that you want your gifts to family and friends to matter this year, to make a difference.

So do we.

This year, we've put aside the toys and material things to give you 5 simple, unique, meaningful, and charitable ways that you can help families at Laurel House during the holiday season and well into 2010.

Gift Idea #1 : Sponsor a Day in the Children's Program

The shelter is usually filled with children, and we also have children living in our transitional housing apartments. We have calculated that our Children's Program costs approximately $180 a day for supplies, salaries for children's advocates, snacks, etc.

If you need a special gift for the person who has everything ... sponsor a day in the Children's Program in their name. Just send us a check or give us a call at 610-277-1860, ext. 102 and let us know the date you want to fund.

(If you are unable to fund an entire day, you can sponsor half a day with $90, or a quarter of a day with $45. )

Gift Idea #2: Give a Grocery Cart of Food

When you are at the supermarket buying everything you need for the perfect holiday dinner, put a grocery store gift card in your cart. You just helped a woman in our transitional housing program buy fresh produce for her family!

Gift Idea #3: Give a Gas Gift Card

When you fill up your tank, buy a gas gift card for the same amount. You just helped a woman get to a class, drop her kids off at day care, or go to a job interview.

Gift Idea #4: Give the Gift of a Good Night's Sleep

Want a fun way to get kids involved in the spirit of giving? Host a sleepover with several of your child's friends and ask each person bring either a new pillow or a new twin sized blanket to donate to the shelter. (We can provide the stuffed animals and teddy bears to the kids in our shelter ... we've got plenty to go around!)

Will you need a unique hostess gift or a thank-you for someone whose home you stayed at over the holidays? Make a donation to Laurel House's shelter in their honor. (We can even provide a custom card for you to present to your recipient.) You just helped a woman and her kids have a safe good night's sleep during their first night at the Laurel House shelter.

Gift Idea #5: Give the Gift of Clean

As you are packing up fragile holiday decorations, put aside a few unused rolls of paper towels. With 27 people in the shelter, cleaning is a must! There is a great need for paper towels and cleaning products all year round.

We hope these ideas inspired you to think a little differently about your holiday giving this year and ways to help Laurel House all year round!

Ready to make your holiday gift? Click here and follow the links in the yellow box.

Laurel House November 2009 E-News

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:40:00 +0000

Our November 2009 e-newsletter has just been published.

You can read it here or by pastng this link into your browser:

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs021/1101371993152/archive/1102755363775.html?sms_ss=email

Basket Bingo Fundraiser on Friday, November 6

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Join us on Friday, November 6 for

Basket Bingo

Featuring Longaberger Baskets

Sponsored by Laurel House
to support its DART for Law Enforcement Program

Friday, November 6th, 2009
Limerick Fire Company
390 W Ridge Pike
Royersford, PA 19468

Doors Open at 6:00 p.m. - Bingo Starts at 7:00 p.m.
$20 in Advance - $25 at the Door for 20 Regular Games
Door Prizes, Raffles, Jackpots and More!
Early Bird Game for Advance Ticket Purchasers

BYOB

For Tickets and Information, Contact
Heather Chiarlanza
heatherchiarlanza@whitemarshpd.org
267-228-0433

Tina Reynolds
treynolds@laurel-house.org
610-277-1860 ext. 108

Photos are from the 2008 Basket Bingo event.

Longaberger, other baskets and collection names are the property of The Longaberger Company. This fundraiser is not sponsored by The Longaberger Company.

And the Winners Are ...

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:40:00 +0000

Artie Ziemer (second from left) and Brett "Mitchell" Michener (third from left), whose posters took first and second place prize, respectively, in the Teen Dating Violence Poster Contest. The students, both from North Montco Technical Career Center, were recognized on October 22, 2009 at a ceremony held at the Montgomery County Court House in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Offering their congratulations were their teacher, Candace Weber (pictured at left) and Laurel House's Executive Director, Beth Sturman (right).

First place winner Artie Ziemer is pictured with his winning design, shown close up. Later that evening, Artie was honored at the Montgomery County Commission of Women and Families' annual dinner.

Brett "Mitchell" Michener's poster (below) carried the message of There's a Difference Between Love and Control.

Finally, another entry implored teen to Shatter the Silence and Stop Dating Violence Now.

All of the posters carried the number for the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, 866-331-9474 and the website loveisrespect.org.

Congratulations to the winners!

Teen Dating Violence: Stop It In the Classroom Before It Gets to The Courtroom

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:25:00 +0000

Laurel House and the Domestic Violence Legal Network (DVLN) of Montgomery County invite the public to attend a special event in connection with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Teen Dating Violence:

Stop It in the Classroom Before It Gets to the Courtroom

October 22, 2009

Noon
Montgomery County Court House (Courtroom “A”)
Norristown, Pennsylvania

Presentation will include

Awards and ceremony for winners of the

Teen Dating Violence Poster Contest

Thomas Barone Scholarship presentation

Keynote Speaker: The Honorable S. Gerald Corso

Judge Corso will share his experiences during his time on the juvenile court bench in relation to the issue of teen dating violence

Closing Remarks
District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman

For questions or more information, please contact 610-277-1860

or mfirman@laurel-house.org (or leave a comment here on the blog)

Laurel House and Cabrini College: Teaching Tomorrow's Educators About Domestic Violence Today

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:24:00 +0000

Laurel House and Cabrini College in Radnor, Pa. are working together on an innovative project that is part of a senior convergence class. Student Rachael Renz reported on the class for the 10/15/09 issue of The Loquitur, Cabrini College's newspaper. Read Rachael's article below, as well as Loquitur's editor Brian Loschiavo's editorial, "College Students Affected by Domestic Violence."

"Convergence class brings awareness to domestic violence" by Rachael Renz

Every year students take the senior convergence multimedia class offered at Cabrini and each year they create something new and impactful. In the past, students choose to create their multimedia Web site on war, immigration and student activism. The class of 2010 has decided on a topic that may potentially benefit not only the general public, but more specifically, educators.

"We want to educate teachers on how to spot domestic violence. There are so many different aspects of this abuse that need to be acknowledged," Molly Kearney, senior communication major, said.

The presence of domestic violence throughout the world has been affecting people every minute of the day. Most individuals have little knowledge that every nine seconds a woman is being abused. Most aren't aware that there are more than five types of domestic violence and 10 different warning signs to spot the abuse.

Part of their research included the class venturing to the Laurel House in Norristown, Pa., which is a battered woman's shelter that provides not only a home, but counseling to its victims. The shelter has nine bedrooms and 27 beds. The Laurel House also shelters approximately 200 women and 400 children per year.

On Thursday, Oct. 8, the convergence students met with Minna Davis, director of counseling at the Laurel House. To enlighten the students, Davis created a presentation and also showed short films on domestic violence. The presentation was titled, "Impact of Exposure to Domestic Violence on Children," and included facts, definitions and statistics of domestic abuse.

According to Davis, 85 percent of victims of spousal assault known to the police are females and only five percent of men who abuse their partner finish counseling.

The students also learned that it is more common for pregnant women to be abused, which in turn, affects the baby because the mother's body is tense due to the harm. The time that the abuse is the worst is when the victim tries to leave the situation.

These facts are among the many that were acknowledged during the four hour meeting. Noelle Westfall, senior communication major, said that she learned a lot from speaking with Davis that the class can incorporate into their Web site.

"I find this project to be eye-opening and mind-blowing. Our ultimate goal is to have our Web site be an online course for teachers to take as a requirement for their teaching license. I guide the students through this course but they do all of the work," Cathy Yungmann, associate professor of communication and professor of the senior convergence class, said.

For every victim who goes to the Laurel House looking for help, the shelter gives them support. The police benefit from this help as well because the Laurel House raises the number of women who report their abuse, in turn raising awareness. The convergence Web site is just beginning its formation and will be completed at the end of spring semester in 2010.

"Thank you for doing all of this research. Hopefully one day you'll change the world," Davis said.

copyright 2009 The Loquitur

Laurel House Joins America's Giving Challenge on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:43:00 +0000

Laurel House is participating in America's Giving Challenge being hosted on Facebook and sponsored by Parade Magazine and The Case Foundation.

Through the America's Giving Challenge on our Causes page, Laurel House has the opportunity to win $50,000 for our shelter, hotline, transitional housing, counseling, community education, medical advocacy, and other supportive services for families affected by domestic abuse.

Visit our Causes page and recruit your Facebook Friends to help us raise funds and awareness about domestic violence.

(Note that donations made through Causes are handled and processed through Facebook via a partnership with Network for Good. To make a donation directly to Laurel House, go to our secure online donation page here.)

A Note from an Attendee

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel House) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:32:00 +0000

Martina Walls, a guest who attended the Amazing Yoga event on Monday evening with our friends from ocean earth wind fire, sent along this note about the event:ent along some thoughts on how Laurel House has helped people in her life.

Dear Susan,
This evening was wonderful. Laurel House has helped many children and their mothers that have touched my life in Norristown over the past 15 years. They also offer to come to our schools and talk to students about domestic violence. I left this evening chilled but with a warmth inside that I did not have before I came. Thank you.
Martina Walls

Thank you, Martina, for the kind words and for being part of the yoga event!