Did you know that one in three women have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner? That’s an astounding statistic from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Do you know someone who might be among that statistic? Some who feels despair, fear, depression, self-hatred, shame, embarrassment and has suicidal thoughts?
Who do you turn to? Where do you go? Who do you trust? Will you live to see the next day?
In 2021, at a playground in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, a group of women, by chance, met Fathema. Fathema was living in a nearby shelter with her 7-year-old son. She told the women her story of domestic violence. The women listened. Fathema expressed that she needed help beyond what other local organizations were providing.
Soon, the women helped Fathema’s son enroll in school and gathered resources from the community to pay for a move to a new apartment. The beginning of an independent life was starting to emerge. More collection of funds helped Fathema enroll in a health science program. She found a job upon graduation. This story was so inspiring that the group of women decided to create and incorporate the nonprofit Women4Women Inc. (W4W) to support more women facing abuse.
With a mission to help low-income women (“thrivers” as they are coined) facing domestic abuse achieve their independence, W4W supports them financially, professionally, mentally, legally, and emotionally. W4W’s “All-in!” program tailors support to the thrivers’ needs, including the cost of housing, food, school tuition, legal assistance and therapy from carefully vetted professionals. Recognizing the unique situation of each thriver, these funds also cover the special needs of participants as they emerge (like childcare support or medical costs). By providing funding and the opportunity to lead, W4W provides a sense of security while building each participants’ confidence.
Almost 15 women thrivers have been supported since September 2021 by W4W. And there are so many others that need our assistance. The need far exceeds the program’s current capacity.
Take a minute to hear these stories.
Then, share this story with your corporate leadership and C-suite for its Giving Program, as many companies match your employee donations through Benevity, Double the Donation, Fidelity and more.
Together, we CAN make a significant difference. Thank you for your time, support, and generosity. Donate here.
Joyceann Cooney-Garippa is a volunteer at the Brooklyn-based nonprofit Women4Women Inc.
