Giving domestic violence survivors a fresh start

The Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area partnered with Beatitude House and HomeSafe for the Fresh Start for Women and Girls project.

With a US$5,000 grant from Zonta International, the two organizations provided temporary shelter to domestic violence survivors, assisted them with obtaining identification and birth certificates, and gave the women household items such as microwaves, dishes and other kitchen items to help them restart. Though they no longer house residents due to COVID-19, the organizations are still helping with household items and identification.

"It was great to see the joys a simple toaster could bring to a woman in need of being able to start on her own that we simply take for granted every day," said Vanessa Longenecke from Homesafe Inc.

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