The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for most Americans. People who are victims of domestic violence may be facing unprecedented danger while sheltering in place with their abusers. Kristin Kinscherff, Director of Operations in Integrated Project Management’s St. Louis office and leader of the third-quarter Project Mercy effort, says, “Domestic violence has increased by 225% in St. Louis County, and many shelters implementing social distancing guidelines have been paying to put their residents into hotels, creating budget shortfalls.” So IPM focused its quarterly philanthropic efforts on supporting domestic violence victims.
Donating Elbow Grease
A group of volunteers from the St. Louis office moved furniture and cleaned apartments and the recreation center at Lydia’s House, a transitional housing program for abused women and their children. A step between emergency shelter and independent living, Lydia’s House helps families create long-term plans, including education, training, and referrals to community resources. IPM provided a financial donation as well.
The Project Mercy team in Minneapolis provided similar support to Cornerstone Advocacy Service, a nonprofit serving families and individuals impacted by domestic abuse, sexual violence, human trafficking, and other crime. They cleaned out storage sheds and arranged the tools and toys, and spruced up the community garden at one of the residences. And they donated gift cards to help with essential needs.
In Los Angeles, volunteers gathered at the Jenesse Center to organize the clothing and household items that had been donated to the organization’s shelter. Besides its emergency housing, Jenesse Center supports domestic violence intervention and prevention through education, community outreach, referral services, and more.
Providing a Warm Welcome
The New Jersey team assembled and printed a cookbook of community recipes and packaged it along with gift cards and a craft project into gift bags for the families at Transition House. The organization offers a range of services, including its domestic violence shelter, long-term housing resources, and prevention education in the community.
San Francisco IPMers supported City Team by shopping for essential health and hygiene products, socks, towels, books, toys, and other items, then filling gift bags for women entering the House of Grace residence. House of Grace provides a caring home for women who are victims of domestic abuse or chemical dependency and their children.
Filling Basic and Social Needs
The Boston office Project Mercy volunteers supported Casa Myrna, which provides shelter and services to abuse survivors, as well as a domestic violence hotline and prevention program. IPMers shopped in person and online and donated items from Casa Myrna’s wish list.
In Chicago, volunteers and contributors supported Mutual Ground, a nonprofit that provides housing, education, legal advocacy, counseling, and other services for victims of domestic and sexual violence. A gift card drive provided holiday gifts and funds for everyday needs for the families, and the purchase of patio furniture will help residents to relax and socialize.
IPM employees lead and participate in quarterly philanthropy efforts through our Integrated Project Mercy program. Visit our careers page to learn more about joining the IPM family.
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