Each year Women Helping Women reaches out to the community for their continued support through our annual fund mailing. The funds that are raised will help our advocates continue to provide a compassionate voice on the hotline, a hand to hold at the hospital, a comforting presence at the police department, a supportive ally in the courtroom and a strong support system for survivors whenever they need us.

This year, for our annual fund letter, Kathy Davis who has been a long time volunteer and supporter of Women Helping Women shared why this agency is so important not only to her family, but also to our community. Her letter is below.

Dear Friend:

One afternoon, seventeen years ago, I answered the phone and heard my daughter screaming hysterically that her boyfriend was trying to rip her infant from her arms.  I begged her to call the police, but when she said she could not, I knew our lives had been changed forever.  Like so many, having never been touched by domestic violence, I did not understand.

Since she lived out-of-town, I called the local police and sent them to her home.  On arrival, she refused to press charges and told them everything was fine.  He said he was sorry and that he loved her, and she was afraid of him so she stayed for two more years.  They moved to Tennessee and had another baby.  I remember my shock that she would stay with someone who had abused her and threatened her baby.

I didn’t understand and didn’t know how to help.  A trusted friend recommended that I call Women Helping Women (WHW) to better understand my daughter’s situation and decisions.  So began my nearly twenty year commitment to this important agency: first as a volunteer, then, after graduating from UC, as their Crisis Team Coordinator, and finally, in a lifelong volunteer role.

Thanks to my training at WHW, as things grew worse in Tennessee, I assisted my daughter with a Safety Plan leading to her safe escape with her children.  Upon returning to Cincinnati, she used WHW’s free crisis intervention services and their support to obtain a Civil Protection Order through the court.  WHW helped her to make informed decisions, and for the first time in years, she felt like she had hope.

I have seen firsthand how WHW can transform women’s lives.  Thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers who do this work on a very small budget, my daughter and others can regain control of their lives.  Please join me in making as generous a gift as possible to the 2012 Annual Fund.  Return the enclosed envelope with your check or credit card information as soon as possible.  Your investment will be used wisely, and you will provide hope to people who live with fear every day.

Thank you for reading my story and for taking action.

Sincerely,

Kathy Davis

Women Helping Women Volunteer

P.S.  Your past support of Women Helping Women is greatly appreciated.