HAVEN, Inc. (Household Abuse Victims Emergency Network) of Merrill is the recipient of a $15,000 grant from the B.A. and Esther Greenheck Foundation of Wausau. The grant money will be used to continue client services for which a portion of Victims of Crime Acts funds and a portion of the Sexual Assault Victims Services funding were cut from the state budget.
“In order to be eligible for the Greenheck grant, HAVEN was required to have matching funds from within its service area,” said HAVEN Executive Director Judy Woller. “These match funds were generously provided by an anonymous donor from Lincoln County.”
The Greenheck Foundation “provides financial support from meaningful projects in Central Wisconsin which enhances the area’s arts, education, health, economic and social development resources.” Within the social development area, the Foundation “supports projects that improve community safety and the overall well-being of area residents.”
HAVEN serves those whose lives are affected by domestic abuse and violence, sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse. It offers a 24 hour crisis call line and secure shelter as well as advocacy services and community education.
“Through HAVEN, clients are supported and empowered in making their own choices and are also connected with resources they need,” Woller said.
“At the close of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we remind ourselves and others of the importance to continue to work to stop violence daily and to continue to support the victims as they move towards becoming survivors,” Woller added. “All donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.”
A complete list of donors will be published in the December issue of the HAVEN newsletter.