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years ago, a woman named Ann got a new start on life. A domestic abuse victim
since childhood, Ann never had a stable life. Then she found out about a local
safe house that could help her. Less than two years later, a shy and
introverted Ann has experienced significant healing through the safe house's
established counseling program. Not only that, but she has completed schooling
and obtained employment as a pre-school teacher. And Ann is not alone.
Thousands of women and children are getting help at violence centers across the
country, centers that depend on caring people and organizations to fund their
much needed work. Says Ann, "The (safe house) program really does work for the
women who want it to work and who really put effort into it."
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The individuals shown
are models and have no involvement or affiliation with the Ms. Molly
Foundation.
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For most domestic
violence shelter and safe house residents, recovery from abuse or addictions is
strictly a day-to-day and even hour-to-hour affair - a fragile process. Most
have lost family support and have come to the safe house lonely, isolated, and
disconnected. The shelters and safe houses provide for the residents' immediate
physical needs, and additionally offer them the power of community, kinship and
union. Through this experience, residents receive hope, and hope is
life-giving, and at times life-saving.
In conjunction with
October's designation as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Molly Maid
and the Ms. Molly Foundation are sponsoring their eighth annual Making a
Difference Drive. During the Drive, which lasts through the month of October,
Molly Maid will assist shelters and safe houses throughout the United States."
In addition to the
annual Drive, the Ms. Molly Foundation promotes education and information on
domestic violence-related issues. Foundation Chairperson Stephanie Zikakis
believes creating awareness is vital. "Every year four million women are
battered by their intimate partners," Stephanie says. "Their abuse has a
significant impact on every aspect of their life and the lives of their
children. Through the Ms. Molly Foundation, we are proud to provide local
support to families victimized by this terrible crime."
Founded by Molly Maid,
Inc. President and CEO David McKinnon and his wife, Karen, the Ms. Molly
Foundation, with the help of people like you, is making a difference in the
lives of women and children who have been victimized by domestic violence.
Since its inception, the
Foundation has raised over $450,000 in personal care items and monetary
donations and has annually provided assistance to over 100 domestic violence
centers across the country. These centers are in turn providing the helping
hand up that people like Ann and so many others need for themselves and their
families to make a healthy new start in life. This year, the Ms. Molly
Foundation hopes to raise $150,000 through the annual Drive.
Please join the Molly
Maid family in Making a Difference for those who are in need. For more
information on how to participate or to make a tax-deductible contribution to
the Foundation, contact Molly Maid at 1-800-MOLLYMAID or visit
www.mollymaid.com/foundation.
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