Reaching out to Women in Need

The new Women's Center located in downtown Waukesha

"When women thrive, all of society benefits,

and succeeding generations are given a better start in life."
-Kofi Annan

Our second choice for January was The Women's Center. A local safe haven for women and their families throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Since 1977 their mission has been to "provide safety and support to women and their families and to facilitate their development." With Todd's $31, and some bargain shopping I was able to purchase $52.00 worth of food for just $31.00! The items donated came directly from The Center's pantry wish list .

4 million American women experience a serious assault by a partner during an average 12-month period.

Through ongoing support from the community and other organizations like The United Way, The Women's Center is able to provide free and comprehensive services designed to address the issues of domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse. The center is able to provide a full spectrum of services to women and their families in need. Events & Communicatons Coordinator, Amanda Hunter says one of the biggest misconceptions about the women that who use their services is that they are all of the same class and social status. "Women of all races, ethnicities and classes utilize our services," says Hunter.

1 out of 3 women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime.

Sister House Shelter-provides safe, short-term housing and support to women and their children who are in imminent danger of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse and sexual assault counseling is available to women and children survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Transitional living provides safe, affordable housing and support services to women and their children while they make the transition from an abusive environment to independent living.

Seventy-four percent of all murder-suicides involved an intimate partner(spouse, common-law spouse, ex-spouse, or boyfriend/girlfriend). Of these, 96 percent were females killed by their intimate partners.

Legal advocates help victims of abuse or harassment file temporary restraining orders and injunctions and also offer support to victims at court hearings. The Women's Center's community educator speaks to small and large groups in the community about domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse. A 24-hour Crisis Line staff at The Women's Center answer questions and offer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

On the average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends every day.

Employment counseling workshops and counseling are available to help men and women obtain or retain employment. The Family Support Project offers a variety of services designed to teach families positive ways to deal with stress, manage behavior, and communicate effectively. Emergency respite and onsite childcare provides parents and caregivers a break during stressful times or emergencies by using licensed daycare centers and foster-care homes.

1 in 5 female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. Abused girls are significantly more likely to get involved in other risky behaviors. They are 4 to 6 times more likely to get pregnant and 8 to 9 times more likely to have tried to commit suicide.

TWC is making a difference one woman at a time, but they need our continued support. "The most beneficial thing the community can do to help is to donate funds. However if this is not possible, The Center is very grateful for donated goods (in kind donations) and volunteers, who help with various duties that make it possible for our organization to succeed," states Hunter. The Centers biggest fundraising event, the Anniversary Luncheon, is getting ready to take place April 25. For information on participation or on how you can help support the women and their families who so desparately need these services please contact TWC of Waukesha at 262-547-4600, or click on the link above. By email mail@twcwaukehsa.org . If you live in Southeastern Wisconsin and you are in need of help contact the Crisis Line at 262-542-3828 there is someone available to help you 24 hours a day.

JDRF: Helping Gigi Find a Cure

THIS IS THE FACE OF JUVENILE DIABETES

"If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand for
much."-Marian Wright Edelman

Could you tell this 3 year old little girl you need to prick her finger for blood 6 times a day, plus a few in the middle of the night? Could you tell her you need to give her a minimum of 3-4 insulin shots a day? That is exactly what her parents must do. Gigi was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes when she was 22 months old. For kids like Gigi and her parents, juvenile diabetes means preparation and planning. Gigi can not be left with anyone that has not had comprehensive training on how to care for a child with juvenile diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (which includes juvenile diabetes) is a chronic disease in which the body's own defenses (their immune system) attack the cells in the pancreas responsible for making insulin. Without insulin your body can not properly respond to blood glucose, a simple sugar your body uses to make energy. The glucose in the blood comes from the foods that we eat. Some foods contain higher amounts than others. People with diabetes must constantly monitor the amount of glucose they have in their blood. Too much, hyperglycemia, or too little, hypoglycemia, can lead to an emergency situation including coma and death. Parents of children with diabetes must be well educated about the disease and carefully monitor their children for symptoms.

As a child with juvenile diabetes, and as an adult Gigi may face many complications as a result of the disease. These include, but are not limited to:

• cardiovascular disease in its many forms (heart attack is the major cause of death in persons with diabetes)
• hypoglycemia which can lead to coma or even death
• nephropathy (It is a slow deterioration of the kidneys and kidney function.) which is the most common complication
• nerve damage which can result in numbness, tingling, and constant pain
• eye/vision disorders including blindness
• foot and leg ulcers which may result in amputation

Gigi's parents cite the wonderful care they've received at Children's Hospital, and the great support of family in helping her stay complication free thus far. Gigi thankfully is as happy as any other 3 year old. As many as 3 million Americans may have type 1 diabetes. Each year over 15,000 children are diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. That's more than 40 children each and every day.

The costs of diabetes are staggering. The American Diabetes Association estimates diabetes costs this nation over $130 billion dollars a year. Currently there is no cure for diabetes. Gigi's parents however, as well as JDRF and many other reputable organizations believe Gigi will see a cure in her lifetime! The key to realizing this cure is through contribution.

This month I am making a donation in honor of Gigi to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. JDRF is the leading charitable foundation and advocate of type 1 diabetes research worldwide. More than 85% of donations go directly to funding research. Their mission is to find a cure for diabetes and it's complications through the support of research. Charity Navigator gives JDRF 4 of 4 stars! JDRF also includes links on their site showing ways you can help without spending any money. The Advocacy Tool Kit is one such way. This kit will tell you how to contact Congress to lobby for more government sponsored research etc... Walk for a Cure , Ride to Cure are just a few more ways you can be part of the cure. JDRF local chapters are also always appreciative of volunteers.
For more information on diabetes, it's complications or about the many ways you can get involved and help bring about a cure visit the JDRF website or by clicking on any of the links above.

Pennies for Patti

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its animals. --Mahatma Gandhi

With that in mind, our first donation went to a charity my son chose. Pennies for Patti is a sponsorship program my son's school is participating in. With the help of other families, Their school has sponsored Patti, a hippo at the Milwaukee County Zoo. The children will all have an opportunity to go to the zoo for free and see Patti when warmer weather is upon us.

The Milwaukee County Zoo was an excellent first choice for our family. Their exhibits have provided countless hours of enjoyment, and education for our family! If you haven't been recently you really should go! Opportunities to sponsor an animal or get involved with other Zoo charities can be researched by clicking on the link above. Charity Navigator gives this charity 3 of 4 stars!

I had a heck of a time carrying $31 in pennies but the kids really got a kick out of it!