It’s easy to look at the epidemic of domestic violence and feel overwhelmed. Its prevalence is daunting, and you might find yourself thinking, “What difference can I make? I’m just one person.”

You’re right – you’re one person. But you’re not just one person.

Maybe you’re one employee at a corporation with a philanthropic mission. Maybe you’re a member of a local book club, looking for ways to get involved. And maybe you really are one person looking at how deeply domestic violence impacts your community. At Genesis, we know it takes a village to end domestic violence, and our mission wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community – a collection of “just one’s.”

If you work for a corporation with an interest in getting involved with Genesis, we have a multitude of volunteer opportunities available. From helping renovate our Residential safe campus to serving a meal at our Shelter on the weekends, we always have projects that require community support.

Maybe you’re part of a gardening or book club! We would love for you to share your passion with us. Your gardening club could help us prepare our garden for the warmer months, or teach the kiddos at our Shelter how to plant flowers. Your book club could host a donation drive, or help serve breakfast on Saturday mornings.

If you’re an individual wondering how you can help end domestic violence, the list is endless. The next time you clean out your closet, drop off your gently used items at our Thrift Store on Lemmon & Knight, where our clients shop for free. Buy a ticket to our Genesis Annual Luncheon! It’s an opportunity to learn from and connect with other people in the community who also want to end domestic violence. Next time you’re at Target, pick up a $10 gift card and drop it off with our in-kind donations manager. You’ll be empowering a woman with the ability to choose how she wants to spend that money. If you’re looking for year-long opportunities, consider joining one of our auxiliaries! Our eclectic groups are raising awareness about domestic violence and Genesis’ mission in their own communities every day.

Regardless of whether you’re an individual or part of a larger group, you’re one person with the capacity to make a significant, life-changing difference in someone’s world. That’s the simple truth.

The clothes you donate to the Genesis Benefit Thrift Store will give our client the confidence she needs for a job interview. The ticket you purchase for an event will go towards funding the programs and services we offer at no cost. The Saturday morning you spend serving breakfast at our Emergency Shelter will remind our women and kiddos that, despite what they’ve been told, they are cared for and loved.

Every dollar you give and every moment you spend in support of Genesis impacts a woman or child experiencing family violence in our community. No gift will ever be too small. Genesis exists to let victims of domestic violence know that there is help, and there is hope, and it is only because of you that we are able to be a beacon of light in the darkness.

Genesis is changing the lives of families in our community with people like you by our side. Your support does impact our clients, no matter what that support looks like.

When you stand with Genesis, you help the fight to end domestic violence. At the end of the day, you’re changing the world for our women and kiddos.

Written by Annie Veatch, grant writer at Genesis Women’s Shelter

Posted in Domestic Violence