The Purple Post Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2022 NEWSLETTER

Program Spotlight: Court Advocacy

Navigating the legal system is one of the most intimidating barriers many survivors of abuse face. Whether the challenges lie in facing an abuser in court for an Order of Protection hearing, looking for an attorney for custody or divorce proceedings, or working with law enforcement to press charges, survivors must carry a lot of burdens.

We are grateful to have advocates on our team who help our clients to navigate the various facets of the legal system. While we are not attorneys, we do offer information, help explain legal processes, and accompany our clients to court. Sometimes, someone from our team is the only friendly face our clients have to look for in the courtroom or while they are on the stand.

Thank you for supporting NWAWS services so that survivors have someone they can lean on as they walk through their most challenging times.

Coming Up: Human Rights Day (December 10th)

Starting December 10th, the United Nations will kick-off a year-long celebration and observance for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR was approved in 1948 after several years of work by several of the original UN delegates who were concerned with remembering the atrocities of the Second World War and sought to ensure that those atrocities were never repeated again.

Over the years, most nations have accepted the UDHR, and for many it is the basis of their own human rights declarations. This year, in honor of Human Rights Day and the 75th year of the UDHR, will you join us in educating yourself by reading the UDHR and deciding how you can help create dignity, freedom, and justice for all?

Read more about Human Rights Day ››

Making a Difference

“I have seen there are people willing & wanting to help. It’s helped give the positive push needed to do better for myself & my children.”

-NWAWS Client

NWAWS Thrift Store sign on top of building. 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday. 1622 S 8th St. Rogers

Thrift Store News

Are you looking for something festive to wear yourself or to dress up your home this holiday season? Stop by the Thrift Store and let us help you find something perfect! We have plenty of holiday sweaters and other clothing in all sizes.

While you are at it, now is the perfect time to offload some of your pre-loved gear in preparation for all the new things you will be welcoming into your home. Donations are accepted at our back door Monday – Saturday from 10am-4pm. Ask for a donation receipt that you can use when filing taxes.

Important Dates:

December 10th: Christmas Open House featuring cookies, hot cocoa, coffee, and lots of fun for the family
December 24th – 26th: Closed in observance of Christmas
December 31st: Closing early at 3pm
January 2nd: Closed in observance of New Year’s Day

Watch our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and come shop for a cause!

Get Connected!

Would you consider being the match this holiday season and supporting survivors by supporting NWAWS with a dollar-for-dollar matched year-end gift?

Gifts can be made 24/7 on our website at www.nwaws.org, by mail to NWAWS, P.O. Box 1059, Rogers, AR 72757, or by calling 479-246-0353.

All donations are tax-deductible.

be the match this holiday season, ignite change!

So Far This Year…

You have helped make a difference in your community! Here is how your support has impacted the world around you:

A young girl smiles with eyes closed. She is squeezing a teddy bear and laying on a pillow.

Children receiving safe shelter:

137

two people sit across from each other at a table in front of a window. The photo is zoomed in so you only see their hands. The woman in the foreground has a mug between her hands and there is a book on the table in front of the other person.

People receiving outreach support:

118

Individuals helped with new housing:

37

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OCTOBER 2022 NEWSLETTER

Program Spotlight: Holiday Programs

We may still be wrapping up October, but we are already thinking ahead and making plans to create some magic for our clients in the upcoming holiday season. When families experiencing domestic violence separate from an abusive family member, it creates a lot of challenges. Add the holidays on top of that, and an already stressful time can often feel overwhelming and unmanageable.

The good news is: you can help! We have opportunities for volunteers to shop for Christmas gifts, provide special holiday meals, pack meal kits for our non-residential families, and more. If you or a group you are a part of would like to get involved, please contact Amber Lacewell at alacewell@nwaws.org.

orange, blue, and yellow design on black background

Coming Up: November is Native American Heritage Month

Also known as American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month is a national observance to pay tribute to and recognize the contributions of first peoples in the country we now call the United States. During November, we encourage you to join us in recognizing the history of the once-native land we live, work, and play on today. Native Land Digital, a Canada-based Indigenous-led nonprofit, has created a map you can use to see which tribes inhabited most of the Americas and some other parts of the globe long before us.

The rates of abuse in indigenous communities is staggering. 84.3% of native women and 81.6% of native men have experienced some type of violence in their lifetime, including physical or psychological aggression by an intimate partner, and much of this violence is perpetrated by someone outside the native community (National Institute of Justice).

Oftentimes, when a domestic violence crime occurs on tribal land, jurisdictional issues prevent the perpetrator from being prosecuted for their crimes. Both the 2013 and 2022 Reauthorizations of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) corrected several of these issues, removing de-facto immunity and giving tribal authorities the ability to prosecute non-natives for crimes committed on tribal lands. However, there is still work to be done.

For more information and resources for Native people experiencing domestic violence, check out StrongHearts Native Helpline ››

Making a Difference

“NWA Women’s Shelter gave me and my children peace and comfort. We have hope that the depressing trauma we experienced has ended and we have a new ♥beginning.♥”

-NWAWS Client

Thank You For Your Support During DVAM

It has been good to be back out in the community so publicly after a few years of concern over the pandemic. Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) has been busy and we are so grateful for all of you who chose to engage in the DV movement this month. We’ve attended or been involved in twelve different events this month, whether speaking to teams, classrooms, or clubs, hosting a special volunteer activity, or having a table to talk with you at a community event.

Thank you for uplifting our work and supporting survivors by engaging with our content and spreading the word! As #DVAM wraps up, please remember to take some moments to honor the Arkansans killed by domestic violence by reading their stories here ››

You Went All In Against Domestic Violence!

You packed out the DoubleTree Convention Center in Bentonville at Fresh StART presented by Mars and helped us raise over $100,000 to support survivors in Northwest Arkansas. THANK YOU!

We are so grateful for all the sponsors, volunteers, and others who helped make the evening so much fun. And a special thank you to Mars for being the Fresh StART Presenting Sponsor and providing a delicious Candy Bar for all to enjoy. We are following up with everyone who did not pick up the auction items they won this week. If you are one of those individuals and have not heard from us, please call Stacy at 479-246-0353.

If you took a photo with our photographer, you will be able to view those photos on our social media pages in the next few weeks. Please tag yourself on our photos or tag us if you share your photos from the photo booth. Those were a hoot!

If you attended (whether in-person or online through the silent auction), we emailed you a brief survey earlier this week. Please complete it and share your thoughts so we can make next year even better!

On that same note, save the date for Fresh StART 2023 – October 28, 2023!

Thrift Store News

We hope you are enjoying the new, simplified pricing structure at the NWA Women’s Shelter Thrift Store. If you have not made it in, prices are $5 for most adult clothing items except tees ($2), pajamas ($3), and shorts, skirts, & active wear ($4). In addition, all infant and children’s clothing is priced between $1 – $3 depending on the item. Visit the store and check out the new signage for details.

Important Dates:

November 11th: 20% off for Veterans
November 24th & 25th: Closed for Thanksgiving
November 26th: Small Business Saturday

Watch our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and come shop for a cause!

Get Connected!

We would love to see you Monday at Ozark Beer Company’s Drink Beer, Do Good event.

Save the Date for Giving Tuesday 11/29!

Giving Tuesday is a great day to remember and support nonprofits in communities around the U.S. Looking for a way to honor people and give back around the holidays? Make a gift on Giving Tuesday.

So Far This Year…

You have helped make a difference in your community! Here is how your support has impacted the world around you:

woman stands next to black SUV while pumping gas into vehicle.

Amount of gas cards provided:

$3,580

african-american female police officer sits on the corner of a desk that is covered in stacks of files. She looks straight at the camera and smiles.

Law enforcement referrals:

207

A woman holds a young child in her arms as she looks down toward the ground. The child's face is not visible. They are outside and the sun is shining directly on her face.

Non-residential clients helped:

125

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SEPTEMBER 2022 NEWSLETTER

Program Spotlight: Emergency Hotline

On September 9, 2021, domestic violence programs around the nation (including NWAWS) answered a total of 20,701 hotline calls from survivors across the U.S. who were looking for support, resources, and safety planning. This averages to more than 14 contacts per minute (NNEDV).

For agencies like NWAWS, the hotline is the first point of contact between a survivor and the services that they need. Sometimes, a caller is reaching out desperate for a safe place to go because they need to leave their home immediately. More often, callers are starting to make plans to escape an abusive situation and are exploring their options, learning about the services that are available to them, and getting help with a safety plan while they prepare to leave. Occasionally, family or friends of someone in an abusive situation reach out to learn more about the options for their loved one and how they can support that individual on their journey.

Thanks to community support from people like you, our advocate team is available around the clock every single day of the year to answer our hotline and provide kind, confidential, non-judgmental support to our neighbors experiencing abuse.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, encourage them to reach out by calling 479-246-9999 or 1-800-775-9011. All calls are confidential and we do not share the information about callers or their situation with ANYONE without permission.

graphic with a sea of faces and a square in the middle reading ''Every1 Knows Some1 Domestic Violence Awareness Month''

Coming Up: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) has its roots in the “Day of Unity” first promoted by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) in 1981. This day was intended to unite advocates and others working in the then-young domestic violence movement in the U.S. In the following years, the Day of Unity grew to include a week’s worth of activities, finally growing to include the entire month of October in 1987, the same year when the first national DV hotline launched. By 1989, Congress passed legislation to officially recognize October as DVAM.

This year, the NWAWS along with survivors, advocates, allies across the country, will work to raise awareness in our communities about domestic abuse and its many forms. We will recognize the people who have died, celebrate survivors, and connect with others across the field who are working to end violence.

You can join in. One in four women and one in seven men will experience severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime while nearly half of men and women will experience emotional/psychological abuse from an intimate partner (CDC). Everyone knows someone who has or will experience abuse. What will you do now so that you can recognize and offer help when the time is right?

Making a Difference

When “Tina” reached out to NWAWS for outreach services, she knew that she felt unhappy and unsafe in her marriage, but she couldn’t quite identify why she felt so anxious around her husband, why her self-esteem was low, why she had difficulty expressing her thoughts and feelings and making decisions, and why she no longer talked to or spent time with her friends. During individual therapy over the course of several months, Tina was able to identify and process the psychological and financial abuse she was experiencing in her marriage, and she made a safety plan to leave her husband. Tina described leaving her husband as one of the most terrifying things she’s ever been through due to his escalating psychological abuse, stalking, and attempts to break into her home after the separation.

While Tina was reflecting on her healing journey and progress, she shared that the facial recognition lock on her phone she had for years didn’t recognize her anymore. After a few weeks of frustration, Tina noticed that it only unlocked when she was frowning. Tina had been smiling so often over the previous months that her phone didn’t recognize her anymore. Tina celebrated the fact that it was time to set a new picture for her facial recognition lock and the healing it represented.

Follow on Social Media: Silent Witness Initiative

Every year during the month of October, we recognize the individuals in our state who were killed as a result of domestic abuse, whether between intimate partners, family members, or others who were supposed to love them instead. Starting October 1st, we invite you to join in honoring their lives by learning their names and reading their stories on our Facebook and Instagram pages. We will also have red, life-sized silhouettes that represent these survivors located around NWA at different businesses where community members can learn more as well.

These silhouettes stand as silent witnesses of the impact that domestic violence makes on our families and communities. They represent lives that ended far too early all because someone chose power and control over respect and love.

Get Your Fresh StART Tickets Today!

Join celebrity host Dan Skoff, and honorary chairpersons Jason Fremstad & Seth Malley for a night of charity gaming, great food, drinks, music, and FUN at Fresh StART 2022 presented by Mars! The event will be held on Saturday, October 22nd at the DoubleTree in Bentonville and you will not want to miss.

Here’s some of what you can expect:

Delicious eats and, of course, a purple signature drink
Low-pressure gaming all night long
A wine and bourbon pull with some special surprises
Auction items including art from local artists, trips, activities, and more
Drawings for some BIG prizes
And so much more!

You do not want to miss out, so get your VIP and General Admission tickets here ››

Can’t make it? You can still test your luck by purchasing an exclusive Golden Raffle Ticket for a trip of your choice here ››

We still have some sponsorship opportunities available. Email Stacy at stacy@nwaws.org for more information.

Thrift Store News

If you haven’t come to the Thrift Store lately, you should make time to come sometime soon! We are makin’ it easy to save money, find treasures, and make a big difference in the lives of survivors!

We have had some floor changes, inventory changes, and in September we will be changing up our sales, discounts, and promotions beginning on September 19:

Our senior, veteran, and first responder customers will now receive a 10% discount on every purchase they make, no matter the day of the week.
Every Monday will still be the $1 clothing sale for retired tag colors.
We will have rotating sales each day by department – watch our social media and store signage for more details!
We will be retiring the reusable bag discount as of Sept 17.

Watch our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and come shop for a cause!

Get Connected!

Are you an artist looking to increase your exposure?
Do you work for a business that has products people love?

Does putting together gift bags bring you joy?

We would love it if you would consider donating your artwork, crafts, baskets, and other lovely items to support the Silent Auction at Fresh StART. Artists wishing to donate all or part of the sale of their work may complete our artist submission form here.

If you are wishing to donate a basket, gift cards, or other products to support the silent auction, please email Amber.

So Far This Year…

You have helped make a difference in your community! Here is how your support has impacted the world around you:

An older woman with white hair holds a phone to her ear and looks off to her right

Crisis calls to the NWAWS hotline:

1368

People receiving safe shelter:

222

A young man sits at a table with other students behind him. He is looking down and writing on paper with a pencil.

Educational presentations and events:

53

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JULY 2022 NEWSLETTER

Program Spotlight: Court Advocacy

When experiencing trauma, the court systems can be intimidating, overwhelming, and complicated to understand. Nobody should have to face it alone.

Our team includes one court advocate whose primary duties include helping clients to navigate the legal system, assist with filing an Order of Protection, connect with legal representation, and accompany clients to court. We also have a Rural Advocate in Madison County who provides court advocacy services to individuals from that area. In addition, all of our team receives training on court advocacy-related roles so anyone can step in and help.

It is so rewarding to watch clients gain their confidence and sense of self. Facing an abusive partner in court can be incredibly intimidating and many people are afraid to see or be near their abuser in a courthouse, much less face them in the courtroom. However, when a client is well-prepared to take the stand and give their testimony, they take back power and gain a sense of control in their life again.

You can get involved! Interested in supporting the NWAWS Court Advocacy program? Email Amber ››

Are you looking for legal support after experiencing abuse or sexual assault? Reach out on our confidential hotline 24/7 at 479-246-9999.

July 30th is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

The UN’s focus for this year’s observance is the role technology plays in the forced displacement of people. Technology and the use of smartphones have taken the world by storm in the past decade. The benefit of this technology is its ability to keep us connected to the ones we love. However, technology can also be a harmful force that people use to keep people from the ones they love and exploit them for labor or sexual abuse.

As you and I are well aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted many of life’s day-to-day functions to online platforms. People searching for connections can be met with the risk of being trafficked. Human traffickers prey on men, women, and children in person and online. According to the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, “Traffickers use social media to identify, groom and recruit victims, including children; e-mails and messaging services are used for the moral coercion of the victims; and online platforms allow traffickers to widely advertise services provided by victims, including child photographic material.” Using technology in this way allows perpetrators to make their services quicker and harder to track. Thankfully, there are ways to combat these crimes using the same technology. Law enforcement, court investigators, and organizations can utilize technology to track and fight back against the trafficking of persons. An example of this is PhotoDNA. Microsoft uses this software to scan photos uploaded to their sites and match them against a set of known child sex abuse/online marketplace in an attempt to locate victims and report perpetrators to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (Polaris Project).

What can you do to take steps toward safe social media use for you and your family members? One thing you can do is promote awareness regarding the risks of trafficking that are associated with social media usage. You can also limit the amount of personal information (birth date, full name, and address, for example) or any other key identifiers present on your profile. Taking this step can serve in protecting you from identity theft as well. For more information on how to promote a safe online environment for yourself and for individuals at risk for trafficking, check out WomensLaw.org or the United Nations ››

Are you or a loved one in an unsafe situation? Call our 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 479-246-9999.

Making a Difference

Answers to the question, How do you feel differently today than when you first arrived in shelter?

“I feel amazing. Much More confident.“
“Safe. Protected.”

“I feel safe and blessed.”

“Hopeful.”

“Independent.”

Ready.”

-NWAWS Clients

Header image with caption: ''Meet Elaine, NWAWS Rehousing Case Manager''. To the left of the caption is a photo of Elaine smiling and looking directly at the camera. She is wearing glasses.

Rehousing Program Update: New Case Manager

In just a few short weeks, Elaine has already jumped into her role and is making a huge impact for families taking the next step toward independence: new housing. She comes to NWAWS with prior experience in both domestic abuse and housing services and is excited to be uniting those passions into her role.

For DV survivors, the journey to independence can be long and arduous. The program’s goal is to provide up to 6 months of financial assistance and 1 year of case management to survivors, keeping in mind that it takes a long time for things to fall out of place when they leave an abusive situation. Elaine explains, “The healing journey for our clients doesn’t stop when they walk out the door.”

Right now, Elaine spends about half of her time helping NWAWS clients navigate housing options and working with Rehousing Program clients on achieving long-term independence and sustainability. The other half of her time is spent developing the program, setting up metrics, and working with the greater team on a larger vision for the future of the rehousing program. Her favorite parts of her job: the clients and the NWAWS team.

Elaine considers herself to be a creative person and is involved in the arts and comedy scene in NWA. She loves putting her creative side to work solving problems for NWAWS clients and being a part of some really awesome successes.

Your support of NWAWS allows team members like Elaine make a huge difference in the lives of survivors of abuse. Thank you for your support of programs like this!

Save the Date: Fresh StART, Monte Carlo Style!

Over the last two years, we have twisted and turned in order to best serve our clients. In all the pivots you all stuck with us – you stepped up and helped us care for our clients. So after two years of party boxes and live-streamed soirees, we are coming back LIVE and IN-PERSON to celebrate the courage of our clients and the generosity of our community with FreshStART 2022 – a Monte Carlo themed casino night on October 22!

Join celebrity host Dan Skoff, and honorary chairpersons Jason Fremstad & Seth Malley for a night of charity gaming, great food, drinks, music, and FUN!

For more information and to buy tickets, please visit click here ››

We hope you can join us for our 2022 signature event!

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Email our Development Director Stacy at stacy@nwaws.org.

Thrift Store News

Thank you to everyone who shopped at the Tent Sale earlier this month! Here are some more deals and deal days to add to your calendar:

Christmas in July sale continues through July 31st and includes 50% off on all Christmas items.
We have a huge inventory of new and like-new boxed high heels, wedges, etc. Women’s sizes 7-8 only. All of these are 50% off.
August 17 is National Thrift Shop Day
August 25 is Secondhand Wardrobe Day

Watch our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and come shop for a cause!

Get Connected!

It is not too late for you to participate in the Walton Personal Philanthropy Group matching gift campaign. Individual gifts made via any method count toward our goal of $133,500 which allows you to double your impact on the families seeking support from NWAWS.

We’re currently nearly halfway there!

Would you help us reach our goal by the end of 2022?

Make a gift online today or contact Stacy to discuss other giving options.

So Far This Year…

You have helped make a difference in your community! Here is how your support has impacted the world around you:

Black Female Police Officer sits on a desk with files and papers stacked around her.

Calls referred by Law Enforcement:

138

Clients assisted with an Order of Protection:

67

People in the Rehousing Program:

7

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JUNE 2022 NEWSLETTER

Program Spotlight: Outreach/Non-residential Services

Even though our name is the “Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter”, we hope you know that we do more than just provide safe shelter to families. In fact, one of the most popular service arms are outreach services for those who formerly lived in shelter or who never needed shelter, but are looking for support after leaving an abusive relationship.

Though some services are different, outreach clients are eligible to receive many of the same types of assistance from NWAWS as residential clients. From court advocacy & accompaniment to counseling, case management, and financial assistance (and so much more), there are a variety of ways for a survivor to get support for their unique needs. While most services are provided from NWAWS’ offices in Benton County, our outreach office located in Huntsville provides services to residents of Carroll and Madison Counties as well. As with everything we do, all services are tailored directly to each client’s situation.

Could you use some support? Call the hotline at 479-246-9999 to speak with an advocate about your options for outreach support.

Think you might want to join the NWAWS team? We are currently looking for someone to join our team as an Outreach & Intake Advocate. Email your resume and a cover letter to Rachael and Tawnya.

Promoting Healthy Families in July

Did you have anything difficult happen between the ages of 1 and 17? Of course you did! These events shaped you into the person that you are today regardless of how difficult they may have been to endure. Some very difficult life events you may have endured as a child are called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). ACEs are grouped into a few categories: physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Domestic abuse, sexual assault, parental separation/divorce, food insecurity, and poverty, are just a few examples.

Kids who grow up experiencing these types of stressors in their day-to-day lives develop what has been called “toxic stress”. Certain types of stress can be helpful to you, but toxic stress causes your body to remain in a state of stress even when you don’t need to be. This type of stress can cause you to lean on unhealthy habits (such as overeating, smoking, misuse of alcohol and/or drugs) and cause problems later in life.

You can’t protect your kids from everything hard in life, but there are ways that you can protect them from the harmful results of these ACEs. One way is by spending time with your child! By being a consistent person in your child’s life, you can show them that they are loved and have someone they can rely on. Talk with them about your childhood and any ACEs you may have experienced, and teach them how to respond when they are upset. This builds resiliency and will help your kids to be able to fight back against these ACEs. For more information about how you can help protect your kids from the tough stuff that happens in life, click on the links below!

AR Department of Health: Protecting kids from toxic stress ››

CDC: Risk & protective factors ››

Video: 10 Ways to Build and Develop Resilience ››

Making a Difference

“I feel my advocate is doing a great job helping my family get on our own feet. All the advocates work so hard and really care about my family and people here at the shelter. I feel safe and cared for and respected and supported.
Thank you!“

-NWAWS Client

photo of dark black background with one candle burning in the foreground. In the blurry background, many candles appear to be burning in a row.

When You Think About the Word “Abuse”…

When you hear the term “domestic abuse”, what first comes to mind? Many of us first think of bruises and marks that come with a physical altercation. Maybe you also thought about financial control and emotional abuse that survivors so often report facing in their homes.

Often, we forget that spiritual abuse, or religious abuse, can be a part of the power & control dynamics in an abusive relationship—whether a romantic relationship, between family members, or between others in a household.

Read Kathy’s (an NWAWS client) story about spiritual abuse and learn more about how the faith community can stand up against spiritual abuse here ››

Meet our Summer Development & Thrift Store Intern

Hi, I’m Triniti!

I am a Senior majoring in Spanish and Family & Human Services major at John Brown University. I am passionate about helping others and the thrill of a good thrift haul! My main role here at NWAWS is to continue to integrate the mission of the organization with our work at the Thrift Store. Over the past three weeks, I have been working alongside the BEST group of hardworking women (and our manager Travis, of course) to plan our third annual tent sale on July 16th! During my time here I hope to get the word out about our thrift store to other people in NWA and emphasize the importance of supporting the store in order to further the support we extend to the community.

Thanks to Tyson Foods and United Way NWA for sponsoring this internship. We are grateful for your partnership.

Thrift Store News

You are invited to the THIRD annual tent sale at the NWAWS Thrift Store on July 16th from 9am-5pm. We have a ton of brand-new clothing (with original tags!), huge discounts on name brand clothing, and various food trucks who will be serving delicious food during the event!

There will be raffles all day and if you are one of the first 20 people to show up, you will receive a 50% off coupon to use on anything at any point during the sale. Show up, shop, and show out to continue to support the shelter!

Get Connected!

Do you work for Walmart? If so, there is a 2:1 matching gift opportunity available until July 6th. Visit OneWalmart and search for NWAWS to make your gift today.

Don’t work for Walmart? There is still a 1:1 match opportunity available to you through the Walton Personal Philanthropy Group. Visit nwaws.org to make your donation.

Another way to support NWAWS is to volunteer! We always need help at our Thrift Store or at the shelter. Visit nwaws.org/volunteer to learn more or sign up for a volunteer shift.

So Far This Year…

You have helped make a difference in your community! Here is how your support has impacted the world around you:

Young girl laying on her side in bed hugging a teddy bear. Her eyes are closed and she has a big smile.

Children provided safe shelter:

71

Two black women sitting on a couch looking at each other and talking. One has glasses. There are plants and a large window letting in sunlight behind them.

People receiving outreach services:

67

Families receiving housing assistance:

16

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MAY 2022 NEWSLETTER

Program Spotlight: Emergency Shelter

Imagine leaving your home and nearly all of your belongings behind today in order to move somewhere else without even knowing what it looks like. That is exactly what our clients bravely do each time they make the decision to stay at the NWAWS.

From the first hotline call to the time when residents move out, our team seeks to validate, support, and encourage our those who reach out during their time of need. It is not glamorous to stay in shelter; however, for the first time in a long time, the families who stay with us can sleep in peace and rest knowing they are safe.

Since most families do not bring very many belongings with them initially, we provide all of their essentials: toiletries, bedding, towels, food, cookware, underwear, socks, pajamas, and even clothing. Residential clients also receive case management and support from their Advocate, the ability to explore their legal options and help filing Orders of Protection or contacting the police, counseling services from our therapist, financial assistance, transportation assistance, and many other services designed to meet their individual needs. Each family or individual comes from their own unique situation with their own unique needs. Consequently, our team takes a tailored approach to offering help and resources to each person who stays with us.

All of this is offered at no cost to anyone who reaches out for help thanks to the generous support of partners like you. Thank you for what you do to serve residents at NWAWS by donating items we need, volunteering your time, and sharing your financial gifts.

Rainbow stripe across purple background with photo of LGBTQ+ Advocate Jeremy on side.

Upcoming: June is PRIDE Month

A widely accepted myth in society is that domestic violence does not occur as much in LGBTQ+ relationships, however this is completely false. Domestic violence actually occurs at similar or higher rates in the LGBTQ+ population than in the general population (source). According to data compiled by the NCADV, 61% of bisexual women, 44% of lesbian women, 37% of bisexual men, and 26% of gay men have experienced some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime.

A sad reality within the Mid- and Deep-South is the occurrence of domestic violence within family units, such as from a mother or father towards an LGBTQ+ son or daughter who has just come out. Cultural and religious beliefs can leave victims feeling excluded, alone, and prone to suicide. Lack of understanding and education about the LGBTQ+ community lead to bias and domestic violence.

There is a percentage of closeted LGBTQ+ population in Arkansas who are afraid of discrimination and persecution if others know about their sexual orientation. As an LGBTQIA+ Advocate, it is very gratifying to be able to show survivors of domestic violence that there are resources, counseling, support groups, businesses and people within the community who love and support them for who they are, and their efforts to live their lives free from domestic violence.

Looking for support? Email Jeremy, our LGBTQ+ Advocate ››

For more information on the history of Pride Month, click here ››

Making a Difference

One of the biggest wins our clients experience is feeling empowered to take control of their own lives instead of being controlled by someone else. Recently, an NWAWS client shared the following about their shelter stay,

“I felt like I was independent. I could do things on my own without someone to tell me what to do [constantly]. I was able to socialize and see other people. I was able to take care of important work that needed to be done because I knew what I was doing.
“

Follow, Like, & Share Giveaway!

During the month of June, you have the opportunity to follow, like, and share content on our social media channels for a chance to win a Rocketbook, NWAWS stickers, and fun treats you are sure to enjoy from some of our partners, including tickets to ZZ Top, Willie Nelson & Brothers Osborne, and Maverick City Music at the AMP—woohoo!

Each like and share on a labeled *GIVEAWAY* post will win you one entry into the drawing. Only entries that also follow @nwaws or @nwawsthriftstore are eligible to win.

Get a head start by following us today on these social channels so you see the giveaway posts when they pop up:

Matching Gift Opportunity

We have long been appreciative of the generosity of the NWA community. Throughout the years, when our organization has faced obstacles and challenges our neighbors have stepped up to support us, allowing us to continue the life-saving work that has happened here for more than 35 years. When we were notified of a very significant cut to our largest grant last fall, our community stepped up once again.

Our friends at the Walton Personal Philanthropy Group have offered us a Matching Gift Grant to help make up the difference for this year. Beginning March 1, 2022 and going through Feb 28 2023, the WPPG will match every personal donation made to the NWAWS (not to exceed $133,000).

So, every dollar you give this year as a personal donation will become two dollars to help us serve survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Thank you for your continued generosity and partnership in breaking the cycle of domestic violence here in NWA!

Give here ››

NWAWS Thrift Store sign. 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday. 1622 S 8th St. Rogers

Thrift Store News

Have you seen our re-usable shopping bags? With a minimum $5 donation at the register, you will receive an NWAWS re-usable shopping bag you can use every time you shop. The best part? Each time you bring your re-usable shopping bag in, you save 20% off your purchase. Tell all your thrifty friends!

Also, don’t forget to join us for our Memorial Day Sale on May 27th & 28th. Doors will be open from 9am-5pm for you to shop all of the deals.

Get Connected!

The NWAWS Thrift Store is in need of pre-loved clothing!
You never know when the items you donate will be purchased by an NWAWS client at no cost to them or if a member of community will purchase it with the proceeds benefitting NWAWS programs. Either way, it’s a win.

Drop off your items Monday-Saturday between 10am-4pm behind the store at 1622 S. 8th St. Rogers, AR.

Follow @nwawsthriftstore on Facebook or @nwawsthriftstore on Instagram

So Far This Year…

You have helped make a difference in your community! Here is how your support has impacted the world around you:

two people sitting across each other at a table with one woman holding a coffee cup

Counseling sessions provided:

229

silhouette of woman looking into a pantry shelving filled with canned goods

Individuals provided safe shelter:

135

Hotline calls answered:

743

Our Contact Information
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APRIL 2022 NEWSLETTER

Program Spotlight: Children’s Services

When children are exposed to domestic abuse, they always experience impacts related to the abuse between caregivers, even if they themselves are not subject to abuse. Our team works with our smallest clients to help their voices be heard, teach coping skills, and help them name, understand, and process their emotions. We also work to strengthen family systems by meeting tangible needs like clothing, shoes, school supplies, and even toys. Our Children’s Advocate helps families enroll kids in school as well as get connected to childcare and other resources, too.

One family we recently worked with had multiple children, each struggling with the effects of trauma. While they stayed in shelter, they began to heal and learn healthy coping skills and social skills, allowing them to communicate in a healthier way with their parent and each other. We love seeing the children’s faces when they recognize they are in a safe place and can just be kids and play!

black woman looking at camera with text: ''I was a victim of abuse, but I'm more than my brain injury'' #MoreThanMyBrainInjury from Brain Injury Association: 1-800-444-6443

Upcoming: May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Since 1990, the US has been formally celebrating Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. However, AAPI individuals impacted our country long before official designations happened. Despite the fact that AAPI people have often been treated unfairly, the contributions they have made to the U.S. are great. From completing the transcontinental railroad in the 1800s, to work in agriculture, science, and technology, the AAPI community has significantly affected our country.

Today, an estimated 25.6 million individuals who identify as AAPI live in the United States. AAPI individuals come from over 50 ethnic groups and speak more than 100 native languages or dialects. This month, we celebrate our friends in the AAPI community–our lives are richer with you in it!

Looking for more information about AAPI locally? MEI is one of our partners serving the Marshallese community, one of the largest AAPI communities in NWA! Learn more ››

Making a Difference

“[NWAWS] helped me have the strength to believe in myself. The staff has been very positive and uplifting. Create a uplifting environment to where you feel as though you can live again and take back control of a life that seems to been (sic) taken from oneself. I appreciate this program and all that it does.“

– NWAWS Client

Volunteers, We Appreciate You!

We are so grateful for the contributions volunteers bring to our organization every day. If you have ever volunteered your time, whether by working a shift at our thrift store, serving on a committee, helping at an event, or assisting clients in shelter, your gift of time matters for us. Thanks for all you have done and continue to do!

Are you looking for a new opportunity to give back? We have openings for shelter volunteers (requires 10+ hours of training and a commitment to a regular schedule) and at our thrift store. Learn more ››

Prefer to plan events? Reach out to Stacy to help plan our fundraisers.

Thank You for Your Support!

Stephen Covey said “If there’s one thing certain in business, it’s uncertainty.”

He was ALMOST right – with most things there is uncertainty, and, like our clients, we face it with resolute courage. But there is ONE thing we are most certain of and that is the faithful generosity of our donors and volunteers.

As you may already know, last year we were notified of a substantial cut to our largest funding source and since then our donors have helped bridge the gap! So far in 2021, the generosity of NWA has showed up, especially on NWA Gives Day. In partnership with the Walton Personal Philanthropy Group’s matching gift grant, we received over $13,000 on one day!

Thank you so very much for your continued support. We are humbled by the trust you show in us with your gifts and we will continue to work hard caring for survivors here in Northwest Arkansas!

Want to make a gift? Give here ››

Thrift Store News

We are so grateful for the generous donations you bring to our Thrift Store! The NWAWS Thrift Store has recently expanded our donation hours, now accepting donations Monday-Saturday from 10am-4pm. We want to be sure you know the best and most efficient ways to make a donation to our Thrift Store:

We are able to accept almost any new or gently used items that can be sold. The exception is used mattresses, large box TVs, expired items (like car seats), and opened chemicals (i.e., paint, bleach, cleaner, etc.)
Please be sure to drop donations during the stated donation hours only. If they are left outside they are subject to the weather and being stolen.

In addition, each year our clients benefit from shopping on a voucher system to obtain what they need, and the proceeds from the items you donate provide a significant source of revenue to help pay for the programs we offer survivors.

Make plans to join us for our Memorial Day Sale on May 27th & 28th. We will have lots of deals and it will be the perfect time to snag something fresh for summer. Stay tuned to Facebook and Instagram for more details.

Get Connected!

Do you follow us on social media? Our social networks are the best way for you to stay up-to-date on the latest events and ways to support NWAWS! Follow us on:

@nwaws Facebook
@nwaws Instagram

@nwawsthriftstore Facebook

@nwawsthriftstore Instagram

@nwaws LinkedIn

@nwaws Twitter