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By Rachel Kytonen
rachel.kytonen@ecm-inc.com
From January through September, The Refuge Network has provided legal and personal advocacy support to 1,095 victims—an 11 percent increase from the same time period last year.
Since opening in March, The Refuge’s Black Dog Hill domestic violence shelter has provided safe housing for 69 women and children through August.
Like many organizations in the area, services are up and donations are down.
The Refuge will host a “Kick Up Ur Boots,” fundraiser Friday, Oct. 9, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the American Legion in Cambridge.
There will be a karaoke contest (limited to 20 entrants), “best boots contest,” taco bar and balloon party.
Raffles, drawings and a silent auction will also be held.
Roxie Karelis, executive director of The Refuge Network, said the economy plays a factor in increased needs for service.
“During stressful economic times, domestic violence programs experience an upswing in requests for services,” Karelis said. “These include increased crisis calls, more requests for shelter, counseling, legal services and services for children. A bad economy does not cause domestic violence; batterers still need to take responsibility for their behavior.”
However, Karelis said there are factors linked to poor economic conditions that are closely associated with domestic violence:
• Increased severity of violence and more abuse by batterers who have lost jobs and are now home more with their families
• Deteriorating financial circumstances faced by victims who have lost their jobs, housing or health care, place them at greater risk for abuse
• Victims who are in shelters are having trouble finding jobs and affordable housing, leading to increased stays and higher turn-away rates for others looking for shelter
• As shelters and safe homes become increasingly full, victims are sometimes forced to stay longer in unsafe home situations which leaves them and their children vulnerable to continued violence.
Karelis said all are welcome to attend the Oct. 9 fundraiser. The karaoke contest will be limited to the first 20 entrants who sign up and pay the $20 entry fee. Prize money will be given for first place, $250; second, $100 and third, $25.
If you’re not a singer, Karelis encourages you to enjoy the taco bar for $7, or participate in the balloon party where you have a chance to win $1,000. Only 100 balloons are sold, and can be purchased for $20 (taco bar included).
Another fundraiser to benefit The Refuge is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
A fall supper will be held at United Methodist Church, located at the corner of Viking Blvd. and Fenwick Ave. in Wyoming. A free will offering will be taken, and all proceeds will benefit The Refuge and the Youth Service Bureau.
Black Dog Hill, located in between Isanti and Chisago county, is in need of many supplies. Gift cards to area businesses are always welcome.
“Since opening, Black Dog Hill has been full about 80 percent of the time, and in some cases it has been full and overfull,” Karelis said.
The shelter is licensed for up to 15 women and children and staffed 24 hours per day, seven days a week by The Refuge.
For a list of current priority needs for Black Dog Hill contact Marlene Larson at 763-689-3532.
Since opening its door to victims of domestic violence 23 years ago, The Refuge has worked with over 18,000 victims in the Isanti, Chisago and Kanabec counties.
“Abusers shatter lives,” Karelis said. “Domestic violence is a crisis that affects all of us—our friends, neighbors, family. As a community we need to send a message that family violence will not be tolerated and victims deserve to live violence-free lives and we must provide them that opportunity.
“The Refuge continues to offer victims the opportunity to live violence-free lives. We cannot do it alone and need community support,” Karelis added.
If interested in learning more about domestic violence or would like to sponsor a fundraiser to benefit The Refuge, or would like to financially contribute to the cause, contact The Refuge at 763-689-3532 or P.O. Box 323, Cambridge, MN 55008.
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