hope for a new generation

empowerhouse dedicated to breaking cycle of violence

By nancy kelly

Sometimes, hope feels hard to find, especially when it comes to domestic violence. One in four women in the U.S. have been a victim of intimate partner violence. In our community, 10,000 children witness family violence each year. Empowerhouse's Hotline calls are still up over 32% versus pre-pandemic times with people needing urgent assistance.

Though these are devastating statistics, there are many reasons for hope as we celebrate the courage, strength and resiliency of survivors and their children who inspire us as they receive the support and resources to move forward and heal. Since 1978, Empowerhouse has helped survivors of domestic violence and their children in Virginia build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety, and hope. We break the cycle of violence through shelter, housing, advocacy, education, prevention, a n d intervention. In fiscal year 2022, we served over 3,700 women, men, and children in our community who, thanks to our lifechanging services, were able to make a new start and realize a brighter future.

We also find hope in our caring community who rally around us and enable us to continue our important mission even when we face unexpected challenges like the fire this summer at our shelter caused by a lightning strike. We are so moved by everyone's generous response to help as we rebuild the shelter and continue to serve survivors and their children.

Since 25.6% of American children are exposed to family violence in their lifetime, Empowerhouse is dedicated to supporting this next generation and breaking the cycle of violence by reaching out to young people with our free programs. We want to empower a new generation with the vital tools for greater self-esteem, better self-care, and the skills for a healthy relationship.

Over the past year, our shelter and housing program provided domestic violence survivors and their children a safe place to heal, receive services and rebuild their lives. In FY2022, our shelter served over 260 people (over half were children) and our housing program enabled 39 adults and 69 children to transition to a more stable environment.

In the last year, our Youth Team delivered our free Healthy Relationships Classroom Presentations to over 3,400 area elementary, middle, and high school students. These age-appropriate programs empower a new generation by covering topics like bullying, boundaries, and communications skills. For older students, we raise awareness about teenage dating violence and offer supportive resources.

As we enter the holiday season, a season of hope, Empowerhouse's goal is raise $75,000 by December 31 to continue to provide prevention education and critical tools for young people to Empower a New Generation. You can help us support children, youth, and survivors and break the cycle of violence by donating online at empowerhouseva.org or by mailing a check to Empowerhouse, P.O. Box 1007, Fredericksburg, VA 22402. If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call Empowerhouse's 24-hour, confidential Hotline at (540) 373-9373.

Nancy Kelly is the Development Director for Empowerhouse.

To learn more about Empowerhouse and ways you can be involved or to donate visit our website at empowerhouseva.org or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.