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By Rachel Kytonen
rachel.kytonen@ecm-inc.com
The Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program has given a $25,000 grant to a local program that provides free services to area women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
On Thursday, Feb. 4, Cambridge Walmart Store Manager presented Roxie Karelis, executive director of The Refuge Network, with a $25,000 check to help fund programs and services provided by The Refuge.
“We believe that no one deserves to be abused, and with the help of generous contributions such as Walmart’s, we are able to continue to provide services that help keep people safe,” Karelis said. “We were very excited and grateful to get the Walmart Foundation grant. We appreciate their generosity and support of the work we do. The dollars received were used for operations at our local domestic violence shelter, Black Dog Hill.”
Black Dog Hill, that has a capacity of 15, opened in February of 2009, and it’s the only domestic violence shelter in East Central Minnesota. In 2009, it sheltered 141 women and children.
“While at the shelter women are given the opportunity to heal and begin life again,” Karelis said. “Shelter advocates help women identify their goals and the resources needed to reach self-sufficiency.”
Pictured is Grant Wilsey, store manager at Cambride Walmart and Roxie Karelis, executive director of The Refuge Network. (Photo by Rachel Kytonen)
 Besides Black Dog Hill, The Refuge Network also provides the following free and confidential services:
• 24 hour crisis intervention
• Information and referral
• Safety planning
• Emergency shelter/safe housing
• Case management/follow-up
• Help with Orders for Protection and Harassment Restraining Orders
• Support through the court process (civil, criminal, family)
• Response to victims after law enforcement intervention
• Assistance filing police reports
• Support groups for women
• Community education
• Training for professionals
“The Walmart Foundation is very pleased to be supporting the Refuge Network and are committed to helping those in need in the communities where we serve,” said Lisa B. Nelson, senior manager of public affairs and government relations for Walmart. “Through this grant, we are hopeful that residents in the state of Minnesota will benefit from these important services.”
The contribution to The Refuge Network was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Minnesota State Giving Program.
Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better.
Karelis said the Walmart grant was especially needed considering the current economic times.
“The year 2009 was a tough year for non-profits, and unfortunately when donations are down the people needing services suffer the most as agencies cut expenses in order to make-up for the loss in revenue,” Karelis aid. “We have two staff positions, community advocate and youth advocate, which we did not fill after those staff left the agency.
“We have also had to put enhanced program service ideas on the back burner, things such as a pet shelter, elder abuse services and youth programming,” she added.
Karelis stressed it’s community donations that sustains an organization.
“Community support sustains an organization,” Karelis said. “It’s the local businesses, civic organizations, churches and most important the individual contributions from those who believe in our mission, ‘no one deserves to be abused,’ that helps keep our programs and services going.”
Funding needs
At the Feb. 2 Isanti County Board of Commissioners meeting, it approved a resolution requesting the Minnesota Legislature to provide permanent financial support to the Refuge for expenses related to Black Dog Hill.
“Currently there is no state funding for new shelters,” Karelis said. “My understanding is there was a moratorium placed on shelter beds in the state and so any new shelters opening after about 2002 would not get state funding. Our service counties (Chisago, Isanti and Kanabec) board of commissioners have all passed the resolution requesting legislators find the dollars to provide funding for our shelter.
“We are not asking them to take dollars away from other shelters, but to find funding for this shelter as we believe women and children in our community deserve to be safe,” Karelis added.
Karelis said she has heard from Senator Olseen’s office in response to the resolution and he is researching the issue and looking for possible solutions. Karelis said she hopes other legislative representatives from the area will join Senator Olseen in this endeavor.
About the Refuge
The Refuge Network is a multi-community organization whose primary purpose is to provide supportive services for people who are currently involved or have been involved in an abusive relationship.
Since 1986, The Refuge Network’s mission has been to help bring an end to domestic violence by providing supportive, non-judgemental services, following the belief that ‘no one deserves to be abused.’
For more information on The Refuge Network call 763-689-3532 or the 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-800-338-SAFE (7233.)
The Refuge Network Needs List
Office supplies: three-tab manila folders, hanging folders, mailing envelopes (all sizes), postage stamps, paper towels, toilet paper, diapers (all sizes), scentless baby wipes, napkins, Kleenex, dish soap, dishwasher soap, laundry detergent, fabric softener/dryer sheets, 13-gallon garbage bags, 30 gallon garbage bags, zip lock bags (freezer, & sandwich, gallon sizes)
Groceries: sugar, flour, canned fruits, cheese, mashed potatoes, bisquick or generic baking mix, vegetable/canola oil, popcorn, cereal, spaghetti sauce, juice boxes, powdered drinks (kool aid/crystal lite).
— For current priority needs, call Marlene at 763-689-3532. The Refuge has drop off locations/offices in Cambridge, Mora and Lindstrom. Also, if you are able to help in a volunteer capacity, they welcome your assistance. Call for information about those opportunities.
(Due to the generosity of the community the following are no longer needed: travel size personal items; hats, scarves, mittens and quilts; and no clothing needed, except for ladies new underwear (sizes 5-9 and plus+) and babies to 18 months.)
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