BPW/Bonner Springs

 

                                        SAFEHOME

                                  Friday, May 23, 2008

It's About The Kids

Safety is something every child should be able to take for granted. However, an estimated 3 to 4 million children witness domestic violence annually. And children who witness family violence are often affected in ways similar to children who have been abused.

Thanks to grants from companies like Target, SAFEHOME helps children overcome the negative effects of domestic violence through our Children's Program. The purpose of the Children's Program is to provide a safe and therapeutic environment where children and their mothers can heal from the violence they have experienced. The program emphasizes the use of art and play therapy to help children express their feelings regarding the violence that they have experienced and to learn alternatives to violent behavior. The Children's Program also arranges fun outings such as trips to the zoo, parks, and sporting events to help strengthen the parent/child relationship that has often been strained by the abuse.

Children are a large portion of the population we serve. This summer alone, five of SAFEHOME's shelter residents are expecting babies in the next six weeks. If you can imagine having five newborns living in your home, you can start to imagine the needs that we have. SAFEHOME needs new car seats, new cribs and bedding, diapers, formula, baby bathtubs, strollers, highchairs, and so much more.

You can help SAFEHOME meet these needs by hosting a baby drive at your church, business, or in your service organization. You can also make a contribution to SAFEHOME's Client Assistance Fund. Your donations to the Client Assistance Fund will be used to meet the immediate needs of our clients. If you are interested in supporting this fund, please designate in the memo section of your check "Client Assistance Fund."

Heartland Regional Car Show

The Kansas City MG Car Club and the Midwest MGA Car Club are teaming up to host the 18th Annual Heartland Regional Car Show. The MG Car Show will be held on Saturday, June 14th, at Santa Fe Commons Park located at 87th and Santa Fe Streets in Overland Park, KS. Classic cars from across the region will be on display and competing for the coveted trophies. Festivities include a pancake feed, the Downtown Overland Park Street Crafts and Arts Show, and Farmers Market. The car show runs throughout the day and admission is free. Proceeds from event registration and other weekend activities will benefit SAFEHOME services.

Endless Summer Night

Join SAFEHOME Circle on Thursday, June 19th, from 6-8PM at El Patron, 2905 Southwest Blvd in Kansas City, for “Endless Summer Night II.” This outdoor fiesta will feature beer, margaritas, appetizers, and music. Please note that event attendees must be 21 years of age and present a valid photo ID. The cost to attend is $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

The SAFEHOME Circle is a group of adult professionals who provide fundraising and volunteer support for SAFEHOME. We hope you will join us at the fun, networking event.

To register or for more information, please visit www.safehome-ks.org or contact Michele Davis at 913-378-1512 or mdavis@safehome-ks.org.

SAFEHOME Wish List:
New Swimming Suits for Women and Children
A 5' x 7' to 6' x 9' Area Rug appropriate for the Children's Center
New Car Seats
New Cribs
High Chairs
Crib Mobiles
Good Nites Pull-ups (38-55 lbs size)
Preemie Diapers
Preemie Clothing (for both boys and girls)
Nursing Pillow
Co-sleeper "Snuggle-Nest"
Canned Meats
Canned Cream Soups
Cereal
Liquid & Powder Laundry Detergent
Gas Gift Cards
Sam's Club Gift Cards

These items are SAFEHOME's most urgent needs and donations or gift cards to purchase these items are appreciated.

Urgent Special Requests:
1. The refrigerator in one of our Transitional Living homes is 14 years old and has quit working. A new family is expected to move in the next couple of weeks. If you can donate a new or gently used refrigerator, please contact us immediately.

2. A SAFEHOME client's home was recently flooded. The family is in need of a new or gentle used couch. Her two year old daughter's toys were all ruined as well. If you have a toy box, stuffed animals, dolls, and/or toys in excellent condition that you would like to donate for this two year old little girl, please contact us this week.

3. In the next six weeks, five SAFEHOME shelter clients will be giving birth. Earlier this week, the first two babies were born about two months premature. Currently, SAFEHOME needs new cribs, new car seats, high chairs, baby bedding, diapers, and newborn clothing for these bundles of joy. Donations or drives for baby items are greatly needed.

If you are interested in donating any of the items on today's Wish List, please contact SAFEHOME's Administration Line at 913-432-9300 to schedule a time to drop off your donation.

For more information on SAFEHOME, events, and services, please visit us online at www.safehome-ks.org .