Signature Project:

     Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention

Click here for the GFWC Signature Project, Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention from the 2012-2014 GFWC Club Manual.
Click here for the Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Information Please pages.
Click here for the Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Report Cover Sheet.
Click here for information on the GFWC Success for Survivors $1000 Scholarship Program.
Click here for the GFWC Success for Survivors Scholarship Application.

APRIL IS NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

JUNE 15 IS WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY

Domestic Violence Optional Craft Project

Create a centerpiece or artistic structure from feminine hygiene products.  That’s correct, things such as tampons and pads.  Most of these things are individually wrapped and a structure would look lovely in a shelter bathroom.  Beauty and Function! What every woman needs!

Things to Know:

• One in four women has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime
• Forty percent of girls age 14 to 17 report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend
• One in nine Americans over the age of 60 has experienced some form of elder abuse.  For every one case of elder abuse reported to authorities, at least five more go unreported.

GFWC PARTNERSHIPS

Prevent Child Abuse America (www.PreventChildAbuse.org)
Since 1972, Prevent Child Abuse America has led the way in building awareness, providing education, and inspiring hope to everyone involved in the effort to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation’s children. 

• Pinwheels for Prevention Prevent Child Abuse America is implementing Pinwheels for Prevention, a national campaign introducing the pinwheel as the symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention in the United States.  Visit www.PinwheelsForPrevention.org or the Massachusetts Chapter www.MassKids.org for more information.  The opportunities are endless.

• House Party Weekend The House Party Weekend is an opportunity for thousands of people across the nation to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide while recognizing that child development is an essential building block for community and economic development—whoever and wherever we are.  Download the online toolkit at www.HousePartyWeekend.org to learn about hosting a private party and/or community event.
• Chapter Development Prevent Child Abuse America strives to have a chapter in every state.  To accomplish this, Prevent Child Abuse America needs your assistance.  Making local connections through GFWC clubs will assist Prevent Child Abuse America in establishing a chapter in every state so that all children have an equal opportunity for healthy growth and development.  For more information, including your state chapter contact, go to www.PreventChildAbuse.org

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS  (OR EVERYTHING ELSE)

GFWC Success for Survivors Scholarship
Established to provide domestic violence survivors with a means to achieve financial and personal independence, GFWC will award up to eight domestic violence survivors with $1,000 scholarships annually each June.  Make a difference in the lives of domestic violence survivors around the country by helping them pursue their education and career dreams by supporting through the GFWC Success for Survivors Scholarship.  Go to this link to download a letter that can be used to notify local shelters of this Scholarship. Chairmen Goal:  Raise $1,000 to sponsor a GFWC Survivors Scholarship.

Step away from Abuse Projects
Donate socks, phone cards and slippers to your local shelter.  Use the GFWC template to attach a personalized card to your donations.  Click here for the link.

Step Up the Comfort Projects

• Donate night bags, birthday bags, pajamas, toiletry items, clothing
• Host a pajama party to raise funds or collect pajamas for shelters
• Assemble and donate First Night Kits, Birthday Bags, anger Kits, or Bedtime Snack Sacks

Step to the Future Projects
As victims begin their road to recovery their needs change.  Work with organizations, such as Dress for Success (www.DressForSuccess.org) and local shelters to gather information and items that are needed.

The Yellow Dress Program (www.DeanasEducationalTheater.org)
The Yellow Dress program includes discussion guides and resource materials to help students and adults:

• Recognize the early warning signs of abuse
• Learn how to help friends/family members who are victims or perpetrators of abuse
• Understand the cycle of abuse
• Access and utilize comm