If you would be interested in receiving the newsletter online, please send your name, mailing address, and email address to:

                           lighthouseshelter@gmail.com

This is still a work in progress, but hopefully we can cut down on mailing costs and paper usage! Thanks so much!

Board Members

Margaret Cott

Judy Kays

Wilma Garrett

Pam Sebastian

Cliff Cato

Michelle Hanson

Gabrielle Huston

Carol Brown

Florence Wilson

Elizabeth Kennon

The Beacon

September/October, 2007

Volume 1, Issue 12

www.thelighthouseshelter.org

To save on costs The Beacon prints every other month. If you would like to be taken off the mailing list, please call 660-886-9880, or send an email with your name, address and the words unsubscribe to:

lighthouseshelter@gmail.com

OCTOBER - NATIONAL DOMESTIC

VIOLENCE MONTH

Dear Community Member,

On October 1, 2002 the President of the United States issued proclamation making October National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Each year since, October is the time that the nation takes time to remember the individuals and families who have been victims of domestic violence. 

 

While the national statistics are many, no statistics speak with greater volume than those of our own shelter.  During 2006 the Lighthouse Shelter assisted 324 victims and 256 children (total served 580) in Saline County that had been victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. 

 

It is a known fact that children who witness domestic violence often grow up believing that physical cruelty in relationships is acceptable behavior, thus they may tend to perpetuate a cycle of violence.  The battle to end this cycle does not begin at our shelter.  The battle begins in our homes, schools, and community organizations.  It is won one life at a time.  The shelter is not just about providing a safe place for victims and their children, it’s about repairing lives and learning to live independently and safely in our community. 

 

Thankfully we exist in a caring and giving community.  We have many businesses and individuals who support our efforts.  Currently over 30% of our annual budget is funded by monetary donations and fundraising events.  Without this community’s support we simply would not exist.  However, in recent years The Lighthouse Shelter has experienced a $30,000.00 annual reduction of grant funding.  This alone makes the need for local support even more urgent. 

 

There are many ways to contribute to the Lighthouse.  You can make a monetary donation, shop at or donate to our Thrift Store, hold or attend a fundraiser, adopt The Lighthouse Shelter as a group for a community project, or volunteer.  These are just a few ways. 

 

We hope you will remember The Lighthouse Shelter, not just in October, but everyday.

                                                                                           Sincerely,

                                                                                           Debbie Wallace

                                                                                           Executive Director