Adopt A Family Program 2011

History

The Adopt-a-Family Program began in the fall of 1987 when a survivor of domestic violence contacted Women Helping Women asking if any women and children needed donations for the holiday season.  This woman had utilized our services in the past, and felt that she wanted to help others who may be in similar situations.  At that time, there was not a formal program in place.  However, as a result of this survivor’s compassion and willingness to assist other survivors, the Adopt-a-Family Program began.

Through word of mouth, that one phone call led to many other phone calls from individuals looking for a program to donate to families who were in need.  The individual donations later grew to include group donations by staff members and departments of local companies who also wanted to support survivors of abuse.

What started out with one survivor wanting to give back to her community has grown to now include many donors over the years, which have supported hundreds of families in our community.  The donations are given to coincide with the holiday season.

The Adopt-a-Family Program works in the following ways:

• In order to be considered for donation, a person must be a current or past client of Women Helping Women.
• Families are told about the program and are asked if they would like to be considered for donation.  It is our goal to provide donations to all families who need assistance.  However, this is contingent on donor participation.
• Information given to donors includes the size of the family, ages of family members, and special requests.  This information will enable donors to meet specific needs of the family.
• If you are unable to support a family with donations, individual gifts are welcome.  Over the past 20 years Women Helping Women has linked donors to clients.  This has provided a meaningful and joyous holiday season for many families.

For more information or to find out how you can help, contact Hope Carver at 513-977-5550.