Every Woman's House and STEPS accepting holiday donations
Angela Bases
December 15, 2010
297
For those experiencing domestic violence or treatment for an addiction, the world may be a whirlwind of counseling appointments and court dates – coupled with the tasks of regaining employment, housing, and relationships.
Christmas, however, should be one experience that remains the same, offering a beacon of hope with each gingerbread cookie, glittering ornament and religious tradition. Every Womans House and STEPS (Substance Treatment Education and Prevention Services) of Wayne and Holmes County provide those stabilizing anchors of Christmas for their residents, but they cant do it without the donations of the community.
There are currently seven women in the shelter and 16 men and eight women in the residential treatment facilities. In addition to the adults, there are 13 children. Of the boys, there is a seven-month-old, three-year-old, nine-year-old, 10-year-old and three two-year-olds. The girls include a one-year-old, five-year-old, eight-month-old, and three 12-year-olds.
There are some babies, all the way up to teenagers that we have here, and gift cards are really great; toys are wonderful. Predominately, people were looking for gift cards, so that they could make their own Christmas, began Peggy Finley, volunteer for Every Womans House.
Further, practical items are also useful for the men and women living in residential settings. Men could benefit from shaving kits and women from self-care items.
Looking at the shelter, obviously, when people are coming in for emergency shelter services, they may not be employed. So, theyre in a situation where theyre trying to make Christmas happen for their children, while theyre trying to pull their lives together. If its one less stress that we can help them with in this next week or two, that would be wonderful, said Lara Ginsburg, director of operations at STEPS and Every Womans House. Plus, we try to make this a very positive experience for the kids. Theyre in a different environment, theyre with half of their family, so as much as we can possibly do to normalize their holiday, but to also make it a very positive remembrance for them.
Community members can drop off donations at the agency, which is on 104 Spink Street in Wooster, Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Even the simplest donations are subtle reminders that there is someone with a kind thought for them.
I think that they are very appreciative of anything that they get, no matter what. If youre coming in from a difficult situation, or youre coming in for treatment, or anything, your self-esteem is really low, and you feel that people dont really appreciate you. And by allowing donations, gifts, or whatever come in, I think that builds up that self -esteem and they realize that people do care, explained Paula Shearer, residential manager for STEPS and Every Womans House.
Shearer also added that the holidays are special and individualized for the residents of the facilities. They have trees decorated, and the presents will be waiting for the children on Christmas morning. Despite whatever unfortunate circumstances they are experiencing, those can be escaped for one magical day.
I think with the adults that are trying to make Christmas happen for their children to see that spark in their childrens eyes, I think really makes the holidays a little bit better for the adults. To know that they can provide, even though theyre in treatment or in an emergency situation, but their kids are not forgotten, noted Judy Shear, support staff for STEPS and Every Womans House.
Nonetheless, the staff had well wishes for the community, regardless of their ability to donate.
We just thank everybody for supporting us here and hope that everybody gets to enjoy a great Christmas this year, concluded Finley.
