Your donation helps Martha’s House operate its 24 bed shelter with everyday needs. And for every dollar we raise we often get $4 in matching grants. Its a great way to boost your support. Without local support we can’t apply.
We don’t know how many people will be with us at any time so we always need to be prepared to buy enough fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy, bath towels, pillows, and bedding (these things get worn out very quickly), and to pay the electric bill. We also relocate victims of violence when even staying with us isn’t safe enough at our expense.
Okeechobee has high rates of family violence. And there is no other victims’ services program within 45 miles. We also work closely with the schools, businesses, and other agencies to educate and hopefully prevent domestic violence.
Domestic violence affects 1 in 4 women nationally. It’s an epidemic. The answer is serving each victim one at a time, and teaching non-violence one young person at a time. Then we will change the national picture.
