Gifts from the Heart

If you've been to a wedding recently, perhaps you've noticed one of the newest trends.

As this recent article in The Philadelphia Inquirer mentions, more and more couples are skipping the trinkets and tchotchkes for guests. In its place is a distinctive card announcing that a charitable donation has been made in lieu of a favor.

Laurel House's Wedding Favor program has been attracting increased interest from several couples wishing to share their special day with a special gift.

Part of the Wedding Favor program's appeal, says Beth Sturman, Laurel House's executive director, is that the organization works closely with its donors to make something unique.

"We customize each one, so they are all different," she explained. "We can do something on an ivory background with charcoal border and print. We have had requests for cards, which can be laid flat on each plate or little scrolls, which can be rolled up and tied with appropriate color ribbon."

Table tent cards are also an idea to consider, or a framed card for each table. "We can also provide a few extra in case you need them for the gift or entrance table," Sturman added.

The newlyweds' wedding favor donation (usually $2 or $5 per guest) to Laurel House helps to continue the programs for people affected by domestic violence. Some brides and grooms have designated their gifts to specific program areas at Laurel House. Donations have been received for the shelter, for the Laurel House Family Fund, and for counseling services to help people rebuild their lives after abuse.

"A wedding is a happy time, a celebration of new life," says Sturman. "What better way to recognize that and the people we love by giving the possibility of a new life to someone in need?"

For more information about Laurel House's Wedding Favor program, call 610-277-1860 or email us at development AT laurel-house DOT org.

Laurel House and Main Line Health to Present "Addressing Domestic Violence in the Health Care Setting"

Laurel House, in partnership with Lankenau Hospital and Main Line Health, announces its upcoming workshop, "Addressing Domestic Violence in the Health Care Setting."

Date:
Friday, October 16, 2009

Time:
Sign in and breakfast 8:30 AM
Workshop 9AM-3:30 PM

Location:
Lankenau Hospital
100 Lancaster Avenue
Wynnewood, PA 19096
Annenberg Conference Center

Who Should Attend:
This program is open to all health care, human service and law enforcement personnel who have direct contact with domestic violence and sexual assault victims within the State of Pennsylvania.

Why:
Health care providers are often the first people outside the home to see the injuries caused by domestic violence. Because more than half of all victims are sexually assaulted, we will address the new minimal forensic examination when rape is disclosed.

This information-packed workshop will provide tools to appropriately assess a domestic violence situation in only two minutes. By the end of the session participants will:

- Have a better understanding of the dynamics of victims and abusers
- Be better able to identify victims in a health care setting
- Learn thorough and rapid assessment techniques
- Guideline for evaluation of sexual assault; referrals for children
- Be given resource and referral information

Cost: $50

Presenters

Jan Biresch, Medical Advocate for Laurel House, will be presenting with other colleagues from throughout the community, including the PA Coalition Against Rape, Victim Services of Montgomery County, a sexual assault nurse examiner from Abington Memorial Hospital, and Mission Kids, a new nonprofit created by the collaborative effort of the Montgomery County District Attorney, the Police Chiefs of Montgomery County, and the Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth to help ease the criminal justice process for abused children in Montgomery County.

Continuing Education Credits Available

“This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.”
There will be 5 Contact Hours of nursing credits offered for those completing the entire program and responding to the evaluation sheet.
“There will be case manager credits given by CCMC.”
“This conference is approved for a maximum of 5 clock hours of credit issued by the PA Social Work Board via approval #SWCE091423

Click here to access the Online Registration form. (Registration will not be accepted at the door.)

For additional information, contact Jan Biresch at 610-277-1860, ext. 106.

You Can Tell Us. We Can Help.

Let's start by giving the number for Laurel House's domestic violence hotline.

It's 800-642-3150. Someone is available 24/7 to speak with you, confidentially. And free of charge.

You might think that the hotline is for people in true crisis situations - and it is. But it is much more.

Perhaps there was an incident over the holiday weekend or an ongoing problem in your relationship that makes you feel a little uneasy.

Maybe you noticed something that didn't seem right in a relationship with a loved one and his or her significant other.

Maybe you're wondering whether these behaviors are the signs of domestic violence.

Maybe you've been concerned for awhile.

You can tell us. We can help.

800-642-3150.

At Laurel House, Every Day is Someone's Independence Day

At Laurel House, every day is someone's personal Independence Day.

Every day, we're helping people affected by domestic violence move towards independence and a life free from abuse.

We're able to do this because of the support from caring people like you which allows us to keep our shelter, hotline, and counseling programs available to anyone who needs us.

Now that is something worth celebrating.

For everyone who has bravely taken the courageous steps towards freedom from abuse and those of you still on this journey, you're wished the happiest of Independence Days.