Dear Sisters and Allies,
I’m writing to you today because of an urgent opportunity facing the Yankton Sioux Community that will greatly benefit the many local women and children who are victims of domestic and sexual violence. After reading this letter, I hope that you will agree with me that this project is worthy of your financial and moral support. Right now, many victims of domestic violence and sexual assault turn to the Women’s Lodge shelter run by the nonprofit Native American Women’s Health Education Resource Center (NAWHERC). Besides offering emergency, temporary housing, the Women’s Lodge is a catalyst for holistic services for victims, offering mentoring, alcohol abuse education, job readiness skills building, GED preparation, food pantry services and other programs that assist women and families. The Women’s Lodge can sleep 18 per night before anyone has to sleep on the floor. Two-thirds of our residents are children, because most women bring their children to protect them from the abuser’s violence.
But too many women and children are forced to return home to the abuser because of the lack of transitional housing after their stay at the shelter. That’s where our opportunity (and you) come in. With your gift, NAWHERC will purchase four two-bedroom units that will help transition women and their children from the Women’s Lodge to independence. The units are in the town of Lake Andes, four blocks from the Law Enforcement Center, Close to NAWHERC’s office, five blocks from the grade school, three blocks from the city pool and walking distance to the post office, the grocery store and right across the street from the medical clinic. Most women that come to the Women’s Lodge do not own a car, so the location of this housing is perfect. The cost of these units is extremely affordable: only $35,000. They ne
ed some cosmetic work, such as painting, new carpeting, some plumbing, some electrical work, some yard work and new roof shingles. The repairs costs would run $20,000, making the total $55,000. I hope that you will find it in your heart to give as generously as you can. Gifts to the Native American Community Board (NAWHERC’s parent nonprofit organization) are fully tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Remember: Violence Against Women is Against the Law. I know that you are as committed as NAWHERC to ending violence against women and children. Your support of this project is critical toward this effort.
Thank you,
Charon Asetoyer
Executive Director
P.S. These safe and affordable homes, purchased with your gift, will help women and children fleeing from domestic violence and sexual assault to permanently escape their violent relationship and achieve independence. Please give at whatever level is significant to you to make this happen. Thank you for caring.