What an unprecedented winter this has been! As I write this post, we're in the midst of yet another storm, and the snow continues to swirl and drift in gusts outside my window. What we thought was expected is now different. What was planned is now cancelled, postponed, changed.In a way, it's similar to what happens to so many people who are affected by domestic violence, isn't it?
Domestic violence is the perfect winter storm - of warnings and advisories and states of emergencies, of confusion swirling about, of coldness, of the not knowing what to expect on our doorstep in the morning.
And yet, always, in the midst of the storm and its aftermath there is help in the kindness of strangers, of the dedication of those in caring professions and those protecting others.
We saw this firsthand during the blizzard earlier this month. Although our administrative offices closed for two days, our shelter remained open and operating because during the February blizzard, there were 9 women and 9 children in crisis who needed shelter from the storms of domestic abuse in their lives.
Our staff member Michelle Malone and relief worker Robbin Garrett stayed at Laurel House's shelter from the morning of February 9 until the afternoon of February 12, so that those 9 women and 9 kids could be safe. In the coldest of days, that type of dedication is inspiring - and heartwarming.
It's also an example of why your financial support is so needed. Without your monetary gifts to Laurel House, there wouldn't have been a Michelle or Robbin at the shelter for three straight days.
Domestic violence is the perfect winter storm - of warnings and advisories and states of emergencies, of confusion swirling about, of coldness, of the not knowing what to expect on our doorstep in the morning.
And yet, always, in the midst of the storm and its aftermath there is help in the kindness of strangers, of the dedication of those in caring professions and those protecting others.
We saw this firsthand during the blizzard earlier this month. Although our administrative offices closed for two days, our shelter remained open and operating because during the February blizzard, there were 9 women and 9 children in crisis who needed shelter from the storms of domestic abuse in their lives.
Our staff member Michelle Malone and relief worker Robbin Garrett stayed at Laurel House's shelter from the morning of February 9 until the afternoon of February 12, so that those 9 women and 9 kids could be safe. In the coldest of days, that type of dedication is inspiring - and heartwarming.
It's also an example of why your financial support is so needed. Without your monetary gifts to Laurel House, there wouldn't have been a Michelle or Robbin at the shelter for three straight days.
There wouldn't have been a hotline for the young mother to call, the one who carried her infant in her arms while walking to the shelter in the blizzard.
There wouldn't have been heat, or the electricity to cook a warm meal or draw a hot bath.
We were there in the storm, and we are there in this storm, too.
We were there in the storm, and we are there in this storm, too.
And Laurel House will be there in the storm of domestic violence for as long as we are needed.
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Attending the January 28 check presentation were (from left to right, pictured above) PECO representatives Nancy Mifflin and Eileen Mather; Beth Sturman, Executive Director of Laurel House; and PECO employees Cheryl Dowd, Sue Campbell, and Dave MacFarland. 
