I recently was particularly attuned when listening to the intercom:
Helpline call, line 72.
Helpline call, line 73.
These announcements seemed to be happening more frequently on this day than usual. In fact, we received 11 helpline calls that day.
You might think we cringe when we hear our helpline ring. After all, it probably means someone is in a state of emergency – a bad place to be. On one hand, that is absolutely true.
On the other hand, we’re glad when the phone rings. Because we know we’re about to have the chance to help someone rise out of a horrible situation and take control of their own life.
At Sheltering Wings, the word “emergency” takes on its original Latin meaning. The root for “emergency” is “emergo” meaning:
I emerge.
I surface.
I arise.
I come forth.
It means to extricate yourself from, to raise yourself up, to get clear of something harmful.*
That’s an “emergency” to us. It’s a brave person – even when they don’t know they’re being brave – raising themselves up to get free of what’s bad in their lives.
Sheltering Wings provides “emergency services” that allow our helpline callers to start doing that without another second’s delay. We do it through funds provided by donors, services offered by sponsors and time given by volunteers.
Thank you for helping the survivors of domestic abuse arise and come forth.
Gratefully,
Cassie Mecklenburg
Executive Director
P.S. We still have a way to go to meet our goal of 440 men registered to participate in Men IN Action READ on March 19. Men, would you consider joining us? Registration ends on March 9 so register today!
