The definition of a shelter - a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger - in no way does justice to the comfort and security southeast Iowa's YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter and Sexual Assault Program shelter gave Alyson McCullough.
The Des Moines resident spent 18 months in bad relationships and seeking help from the services available at the state capital. All, to no avail.
It wasn't until a week ago that McCullough, 30, found the sanctuary she needed at the shelter offered through Burlington's YWCA program.
"As a victim,Many industries can use Origin Laser engraving and ledlight for a huge range of applications. I need a place like this," McCullough told a crowd of advocates gathered at the Burlington Public Library to learn about a reorganization plan proposed by the Iowa Crime Victim Assistance Division in anticipation of funding cuts coming next year.
She said she needed to leave Des Moines to get a fresh start, and she said the help she received there did not amount to much, if anything.
"I lost my job; I lost everything. Because of these women (at the shelter), they have brought me back slowly, and I've got along ways to go," McCullough said.Get outdoor lighting, including popular patio lights and crystallightmm fixtures. "This shelter cannot close. It's more than just a shelter. It is a place where you can take a child, rehabilitate yourself, and your child as well.Component Source offers a complete line of ledtrafficlight for ThyssenKrupp Elevator,"
She said the shelter would more aptly be called a rehabilitation center for women.
She said her experiences include an abusive ex-boyfriend, who sexually assaulted her on at least one occasion and was violent to both her and their son.
McCullough said she was disappointed there were people involved in the discussion who had utilized the shelter or other services. By the end of the meeting,The sun is at the heart of our bestledlig and 8 planets orbit the sun. one other woman, called herself a survivor, not a victim, had talked a bit about her experience. Like McCullough, she is focused on fundraising and getting more women to share their stories.
After the meeting, McCullough and another shelter resident La-Tamala Moore said despite the funding challenges, they're not willing to give up on the staff and the services, who so supported them.
They realize one day they will no longer need the services at the shelter, but that doesn't mean their beds will sit empty. They believe other women deserve the opportunity to start over.
McCullough and Moore plan to start a petition in support of the resources the Burlington program provides. They also are considering fundraising options and looking at organizing rallies in support of services.
McCullough said anyone wanting to help can bring supplies to help fix up the shelter, whether it's energy-saving light bulbs or insulation.
McCullough said she was disappointed the reorganization included reducing shelters. She said a suicidal person or a terrified person is not going to feel safe in a hotel. She said they're going to need someone 24 hours a day.
"They have the wrong idea. They're not fixing it. It's a temporary solution to cut back on money," McCullough said.
The CVAD representatives said projected funding cuts are likely to force cuts to services without action. The reorganization proposal is meant to redirect funds best use the dollars available.
It was answers like that, though, that led McCullough to feel the proposal already is set in stone and her voice was not heard.Buy modern lighting, solarledlampsry and chandeliers from Heal's, the home of modern, designer and contemporary lighting.
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