Have you ever wanted to help survivors of domestic violence?
With the statistics of domestic violence in the US being that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner, this is a cause that is close to many people’s hearts. However, volunteering in a shelter to help those who have escaped a perilous situation is not that easy. Understandably, volunteering at most domestic violence shelters require stringent background checks and other safeguards to keep their clients protected.
Learning about Hagar’s Heart
One nonprofit has figured out a unique way for volunteers to help women in domestic violence shelters. Hagar’s Heart is a nonprofit founded by Jennifer Jones that provides “I SEE YOU” boxes to survivors in domestic violence shelters. The boxes are delivered monthly to their domestic violence shelter partners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The boxes have sixteen specifically chosen self-care items.
Charities2Love’s Volunteering Event
Charities2Love was excited to host a special volunteer event to support Hagar’s Heart on Sept 16, 2023. We had 50 volunteers of all ages, including volunteers from The Food Lounge, enthusiastically show up on a Saturday morning to help this charity. These selfless individuals chose to spend part of their weekend to create “I SEE YOU” boxes, make bracelets with empowering words, and hand write heartfelt and encouraging notes.
What is an I SEE YOU Box?
For most people, the items in the I SEE YOU boxes may seem pretty ordinary. But we quickly learned that this is not the case.
“The I SEE YOU Box is packed with specifically chosen self-care items to bring a message of: You are seen, worthy, loved, and deserve a new beginning.
The Hagar’s Heart letter placed in the I SEE YOU Box is an inspirational and encouraging letter written to the woman from someone who cares.“
Hagar’s Heart
Education about Domestic Violence
A final highlight from the event is the education received about domestic violence. First, Jennifer Jones explained what happens to the brain when someone is experiencing the trauma of being abused. She talked about the different ways abuse looks like, and even stated: “it is not just a black eye”.
As a long-time educator, her interactive presentation was enlightening and put into perspective the importance of the morning’s volunteering. She also shared how people could continue to support Hagar’s Heart, such as writing handwritten notes at home to be added to the boxes. What a wonderful virtual volunteer opportunity!
Learning about CHETNA
Next we heard from another nonprofit that helps those affected by domestic violence. CHETNA has a focus in the South Asian Diaspora. Two representatives from this local nonprofit, Suroma Sinha and Mansi Zaveri, explained the unique challenges faced in this particular community.
Since many of the victims in this community are new to the US and do not have support systems in place, CHETNA provides support while helping them navigate the complications of their situation. Bringing awareness to the general community, such as at our event, is equally important for CHETNA’s mission.
Charities2Love Connects Nonprofits
With lively music playing in the background and volunteers chatting with friends and strangers, this volunteer event represented my dream unfolding. Not only had Hagar’s Heart found and contacted Charities2Love, our collaboration along with the support of the volunteers made this event a success.
Additionally, I feel tremendous gratitude from connecting CHETNA and Hagar’s Heart with each other, which will create a cascading effect that will help even more women in the community.
One Month of I SEE YOU BOXES Prepared
Our volunteers created a staggering #193 I SEE YOU boxes in an hour and a half! Charities2Love is so thankful to our volunteers and donors that helped us meet our goal to make boxes for an entire month of distribution and to replenish the Hagar’s Heart closet with self-care items for the future.
Spreading Kindness
Volunteers spent their weekend morning helping women they will never meet. But who will definitely feel the love and generosity included in the beautifully packaged gift they will receive at one of the lowest points in their lives. What an incredible way to spread kindness and make an impact.
