The holidays have never been tougher for Women in Distress of Broward County.
These have always been times when the only certified domestic violence program in the county has received much of the donations it depends on to survive.
But this year doesn’t look very good because of Hurricane Andrew.
The nonprofit agency had scheduled a fundraiser that was expected to net about $50,000 just two weeks after the August hurricane. It had to be cancelled and the loss is not expected to be made up before the holidays.
Donations also have suffered because people are choosing to give money to hurricane victims in Dade County, rather than to Women in Distress.
“We have noticed a big difference as a result of the hurricane,” said Bonnie Flynn, head of the agency. “We will definitely need more financial support.”
A new Women in Distress fundraiser has been set for the spring, but money is needed now.
Established in 1974, the agency operates on a $1.7 million budget, more than half of that coming from fundraisers and gifts from the community.
The money helps support 1,000 women and children in the crisis center, another 400 in the outreach center and about 1,300 abusers in the Starting Over Program during the year.
Flynn said gifts and Christmas trees for the 13 mothers and 30 children currently in the crisis center are being donated by different community organizations. But the financial support for the agency itself is lagging behind this holiday season.
Flynn’s wish list for the agency and its clients?
“Somebody give me a million dollars,” she said. “In order to do what we need to do in this community, we need lots of dollars.
“This agency continues to provide services on practically a shoestring. We would love to have major gifts to help make a difference.”
To make a donation, call 760-9800.
