Often, individuals come to our facility on their own or with their young children. Not this time.
I remember a woman who came to Sheltering Wings not long after I started working here. I happened to walk in as she was saying a tearful goodbye to her sister and her parents in our lobby. She had a wonderful support network outside the shelter, but the circumstances she was escaping put them all at risk. As a family, they realized she couldn’t stay with them any longer. So, she made the brave and unselfish decision to come to us as a safe haven while she decided her next steps.
Her tears at leaving her sister hit close to home for me. I, too, have a sister. She’s one of my favorite people in this world. I would do anything for her. She has a wonderful husband. But, I couldn’t help but wonder how I would feel if she was in trouble and I was saying goodbye to her. This example of love, support and concern in our lobby made my mind immediately go to my own sister and my love and concern for her.
It reminded me, quite viscerally, that every person who walks through our doors or calls our helpline is someone’s sister, brother, daughter or son.
One of our guiding principles is that we imitate Christ’s example of love and compassion in every interaction with those in need, serving them as though we are serving the Lord. We serve everyone as though they are a part of our own family, because every person who needs our services deserves the love, support and concern this woman felt for and from her family.
This is why Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month is so important to me: Every October, it gives us an amplified platform for helping others understand the far-reaching effects of domestic violence. It helps us spread the message that domestic violence is preventable if each one of us learns to identify it and how to support survivors. It’s not just “them” who are affected. It’s “us” – our friend, colleague, neighbor … or sister.
I encourage you to explore our updated website to learn about domestic violence and how to prevent it. And always, but especially this month, thank you for your caring and concern.
With gratitude,
Cassie Mecklenburg
Executive Director
P.S. If you’re looking for a meaningful – and stylish – way to support Sheltering Wings, check out our SWag Shop. While you’re there, check out the exclusive selection of purple DVAP Month items and freebies! Help us raise awareness and prevent domestic violence.
#PurpleInThePews
Let’s flood our churches with purple this Sunday, Oct. 11, to show our support for survivors of domestic violence.
Wear purple, take a selfie or groupie and share it on social media using #PurpleInThePews. Be sure to tell people you’re wearing purple for Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month!
#PurpleThursday
Join us in participating in this national effort to shine a bright – purple! – light on the issue of domestic violence. It’s happening on Thursday, Oct. 22.
Wear purple around town, at school, at work and at home. Take pictures and share them on social media tagging @ShelteringWings and using #PurpleThursday.
SWag Shop
Help us make a difference this month and beyond by wearing your support for Sheltering Wings and your heart for domestic violence survivors on your sleeves … your actual sleeves!
Browse purple items: hoodies, men’s and women’s t-shirts, masks, stickers, Pura Vida bracelets and even freebies!
