Covid-19 Relief & Response Fund

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A nonprofit fundraiser supporting

Relationship Safety Alliance
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Help us provide hope to those in domestic violence crisis situations during the COVID-19 pandemic

$9,955

raised by 59 people

$40,000 goal


Mission Statement: The Mid Minnesota Women's Center, Inc. (MMWC) provides safety, advocacy and empowerment for abuse victims, and education about abuse for the community.

Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center, Inc. was established in 1978 in Brainerd, Minnesota with a mission of ending domestic violence and promoting equality and rights of women. The Domestic Violence Shelter believes no one deserves or wants to be abused. All people have the right to be physically protected by the society in which they live. MMWC recognizes that most people stay in an abusive home because they have nowhere else to go and because they are afraid. At a time when so many people are encouraged to stay home, the reality for many people is, home is anything but safe. Data shows intimate partner violence and child abuse increases with economic stress and hardship, with the virus contributing to factors that may result in a higher likelihood of the abuse.

The Domestic Violence Shelter provides a 7,239 square foot facility where people can be physically safe while beginning the process of finding healthy alternatives to their violent situation. The Shelter is the only 24-hour domestic violence shelter in Minnesota's Region 5 (Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena Counties); however, geographic boundaries are not enforced when providing services to victims of abuse. The major objectives of the Domestic Violence Shelter are to provide 24-hour intake at the physical shelter with 6 bedrooms and 26 beds, 24-hour crisis line, information and referrals to residents and non-residents, assistance with filing orders for protection and harassment restraining orders, accompaniment and support at civil and criminal court hearings, facilitate self-help support groups and public speaking and professional training for the community. All of these services remain available through the COVID-19 Pandemic as an essential safety net for survivors of crime, who continue to be the paramount focus of the organization.  

Because this public health situation can create additional dangers for individuals experiencing domestic abuse, victims are encouraged to reach out during this difficult time. Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center, Inc. staff realize there may be an increased need for services and are available to provide them in accordance with recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health. 

Last year 284 men, women and children (and their pets) had a warm, safe place to stay and hot meals to eat. An additional 4,792 people received non-residential services from our shelter. 

MMWC could use additional funding for the following expenses related to the novel coronavirus:

•    Purchase supplies to enable the continuation of essential services in the safest way possible. Those supplies include, but are not limited to, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, disinfecting wipes, cleaning/disinfecting spray, baby wipes, tissues, disposable gloves, disposable face masks, face shields, no contact thermometers, bleach, antibacterial hand soap, hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol content) and non-perishable food items.

•    Temporarily provide additional off-site sheltering and food service at a secure hotel/motel in our community. This would allow for the safe isolation of victims of domestic violence who are experiencing homelessness for 14 days prior to entering our congregate living facility. This practice would enable MMWC to continue offering emergency shelter and other services, while safeguarding the health of the advocates and families currently occupying the shelter. 

•    Purchase additional technology equipment, accounts, etc. to adequately respond to the growing demand for tele-advocacy services while social distancing and acting in accordance with other recommendations and guidelines established by health experts and government officials. 

Finally, many nonprofits are facing financial loss due to cancelled fundraisers and we are no different. Our largest annual fundraiser has been cancelled. This event was going to help us raise $40,000. This will greatly impact our organization. So while we seek to expand services, we are doing it with a decreased revenue budget. 

Please consider supporting Mid-Minnesota Women's Center, Inc. during this COVID - 19 crisis. NOW more than ever, Mid-Minnesota Women's Center, Inc. needs your gift to help survivors of domestic violence. Please join our cause to make an even greater impact in our community during this time of incredible need. 

*Special thanks to GiveMN.org for donating the proceeds of their portion of the processing fee—approximately 2%—as a rebate back during the months of March and April of 2020.



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