Anonymous donor helps Vincennes domestic violence victims

VINCENNES, Ind. (AP) - The Vincennes Housing Authority, Hope's Voice and Helping His Hands have teamed up to help a local benefactor bring comfort and aid to victims of domestic violence.

Linda Fredrick, executive director of the VHA, said weeks ago she was approached by a Vincennes native wanting to offer an anonymous donation of $10,000. His only caveat, she said, was that it be spent specifically to help battered women.

"He just said he was sending a donation, so I thought it might be for $500," Fredrick told the Vincennes Sun-Commercial (http://bit.ly/1zxLsXA ). "So when I got the check in January for $10,000, I couldn't believe it."

Once she got over the shock of such a large gift, she immediately reached out for help in spending it.

She'd remembered reading a story in the Sun-Commercial about a new organization, Hope's Voice, started two years ago under the umbrella of Children and Family Services to bring help to the victims of domestic violence.

Hope's Voice was established with a grant from the Knox County Community Foundation, according to Lynn Rump, president and CEO of CFS, and has since focused on building a community-wide network of resources and help for both women and men who want to flee an abusive relationship.

The organization has worked with community leaders, counselors, medical professionals, local attorneys and police to create a "fabric of support" for victims of domestic violence, but what they often lack is financial means to create lasting change, so Rump said they were thrilled to get Fredrick's phone call.

"We are delighted with the donation they have received," Rump said as they all gathered together last week at Piankeshaw Place to discuss the project. "To be able to make a contribution, one that was unsolicited yet so welcomed, and to be able to collaborate on how best to use it, we are just thrilled that she chose to include us."

Fredrick said the $10,000 will go into a special fund, and when Hope's Voice gets a call from a woman in need, the team will meet to decide how best to help.

Finding safe, temporary shelter is often the most pressing issue, which is why Fredrick also reached out to Scott Shipman, founder of Helping His Hands Disaster Response.

Shipman this fall hopes to open a homeless shelter in an old daycare center on Reel Avenue, and he has readily agreed to designate a portion of that home as an emergency shelter.

"This is just another opportunity to make an impact in the community," he said. "That is what motivates us to do what we do. When you are able to help pull someone out of a relationship that isn't ideal, you have an opportunity to put some hope back into their life."

Fredrick said the money can be used to buy these women whatever household goods they need to get back on their feet, and she can also begin the processing of helping them apply for housing through the VHA. If they are approved, money from the fund can also help them to turn on utilities, buy furniture or even food.

Meanwhile, Rump and Hope's Voice will continue to connect the women to the network of local professionals who can help both medically and emotionally.

"This is a long-term commitment we are making to them," Rump said. "It has taken them awhile to get where they are, and it will take twice as long to help them get away.

"But with this donation, we can all work together to get them the help and the housing they need to build a new life."

Shipman said he hopes to see the program flourish and become an example for others to follow.

"We want to serve and love in such a way that we become an example of a community that takes care of itself, without government assistance," he said. "Just like with all the people Helping His Hands helps, this is the start of a journey we go on with them. It's not like a Band-aid on cancer. We can't fix their problem with just a hug or a conversation.

"But we are all committed to this," Shipman said. "We know we are signing up for the long-haul."

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Information from: Vincennes Sun-Commercial, http://www.vincennes.com