September 12, 2019
For Immediate Release
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST AND LATTER DAY SAINTS AWARDS GRANT TO THE WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S ALLIANCE
Funds to Provide New Bunk Bed Units for Domestic Violence Shelter
WCA Staff members show off new bunk beds at shelter facility.
Boise, Idaho – The Women’s and Children’s Alliance, a local nonprofit, recently received an $8,600 grant from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) to replace 19 bunk bed units in the organization’s emergency domestic violence shelter. For the many families affected by domestic abuse, a safe place to sleep at night is the crucial first step to breaking the cycle of violence. That’s why when facilities manager Brandi Winter saw the need for new beds, she reached out for help. The grant is a part of the church’s humanitarian efforts to help fund service projects all over.
“Either a need is brought to our attention or we see a need in the community and we say ‘we can help with that’” says Cassaundra Peterson, one of the church leaders who works with local leaders during the grant process and recognizes the importance of supporting a mission that makes a difference. She says that the local leadership including Boise area public affairs director Kris Sturgill recognizes the strong need for the Women’s and Children’s Alliance in our community and for helping bring its need to the attention of the church.
Through the WCA’s secure emergency shelter and transitional housing shelter, up to 30 women or mothers and their children can be housed each night. And, during the last fiscal year alone, 76 women and 103 children spent a total of 13,197 safe bed nights in one of the WCA shelters. With help from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Women’s and Children’s alliance will continue providing safe places to sleep without fear of domestic violence.
In addition to emergency shelter and transitional housing, the WCA offers two 24-hotlines, counseling, support groups, court advocacy, financial empowerment education and a variety of other integrated services and programs to women, men and children victimized by abuse.
About the WCA
The Women’s & Children’s Alliance provides safety, healing and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault. The WCA operates secure shelters and provides professional counseling, legal advocacy, crisis services and case management to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. For more information, visit www.wcaboise.org.
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