Macy’s recently announced their generous grant awards to benefit our community. Religious Community Services, Inc. has been awarded $3,600 for The Haven of RCS Emergency Shelter project Fresh Linen’s for a Fresh Start. The Haven of RCS provides Emergency Shelter to victims of domestic violence and their children. About 300 women and children pass through our shelter each year; they are frightened, often badly bruised, and they do not know what is going to happen to them next. They sought shelter for help, but are still unsure of expectations. Then as they are escorted to their new bedroom at shelter they are handed a stack of clean sheets, a soft blanket and new pillow. As they tuck their children into the freshly made beds and lay their own head down on a new pillow they finally exhale; they are safe. The comfort fresh bedding brings helps victims realize that someone does care. It is one of the many little ways we add dignity into our services to help build trust with participants. The only way The Haven of RCS can truly serve victims, helping them to break the generational cycle of violence is for them to trust us. We must build their confidence in themselves and in our ability to help them break free from the abuse.
Macy’s, Inc. believes in giving back to our local communities. Our contributions, leadership and volunteer efforts help create stronger, healthier places for our customers and associates to work and live. Collectively, contributions in 2015 from the company – as well as employee contributions through workplace giving campaigns and customer contributions through our signature giving programs – totaled nearly $71 million. In addition, our associates gave more than 168,000 hours of their time for community service.
Fast Facts:
- More than 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and more than 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. (The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey 2010, CDC)
- Children who witness violence in their home are more likely to have violence in their adult relationships.
- RCS has been serving victims of domestic violence in Pinellas County for 50 years.