Al's Outreach Outtakes

Some articles are harder to write than others. This is one of those that falls into the difficult category. I even debated with myself for several days before deciding to move forward with it. While I am no expert in this topic, I did cross paths with two victims within the same week earlier this month which compels me to write about it. The topic is domestic violence.
 
A few Fridays ago I received a voicemail from someone looking for help. The voicemail did not contain a lot of details other than she had fled a bad situation and was calling around to see if anyone could help her. Fortunately a domestic violence organization had placed her in a nearby motel. When I contacted her I learned that she had left with literally the clothes on her back. No food; no change of clothes: not even a toothbrush. Apparently she had called many places, but no return calls. She was scared.
 
I learned she had not eaten in over a day. Unfortunately where she was staying only had a microwave and a small refrigerator, but we could work with that. I walked through the Food Closet and put together a couple of bags of groceries and grabbed a few of the Fred Meyer gifs cards you all so generously donated last Christmas so that she could go clothes shopping. She was extremely grateful when I delivered them all.
 
The group that placed her in the motel continues to provide assistance and I have stayed in touch doing what we can to help her through this. She is thinking about returning to her family in Idaho and plans to make that decision soon.
 
Early the next week I received a call from one of my contacts within the Beaverton School District. A mom and two kids had left an out-of-state domestic violence situation and needed a place to stay. Through contacts we were able to find them a short-term place that should get them through the month. Mom is very resilient and was able to quickly find a job. We know that this family is going to need help for awhile and we are looking for resources that can fill in some of the gaps.
 
It’s going to be a long journey for both of these women and the kids. Please pray for them as they take these critical steps. If you, or someone you know is or has experienced domestic violence, please contact the local

Call To Safety hotline at 1-888-235-5333.