SAFE HOUSE EXPANDS ITS SERVICE AREA

The Safe House for Women in Cape Girardeau has quietly served a significant role in the region. Each year, the center provides refuge for about 200 women and their children who are escaping domestic abuse.

The shelter is extending new outreach services to Scott County, including transportation and assistance with protection from abuse. That's good news for these women in need. Scott County represents the second largest client base for the center.

The expansion will also provide local access to emergency shelter. Temporary hotel accommodations will be provided, and a Scott County central office will open in the coming months.

Some may claim that the dangers of domestic violence are exaggerated. Not here. Since 1993, seven domestic-violence deaths have occurred in the Safe House's coverage area. That chilling statistic is much higher than the national average.

The Safe House for Women was established in 1991 in Cape Girardeau. A previous safe house operated from 1978 until around 1990 but closed under a cloud of financial problems. A new group of citizens was concerned about lack of services and set about to open a new facility. The result was the Safe House for Women, which has operated a top-notch refuge since its inception.

About 50 percent of its funding comes from grants and court fees. The remainder comes from generous individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the region. Director Paula Huggins says nearly every business or club has donated to the center at one time or another.

This week, a new washer and dryer arrived, thanks to the Southeast District Square Dancing Federation. But the electricity and pipes of the old house needed work to hook up appliances. Enter the Pipefitters Union and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which offered free labor.

Huggins is amazed by the generosity of the region, and she is grateful that the Safe House has been taken under the wing of so many businesses and clubs.

The Safe House has many success stories of women who escaped abusive situations and start a new life. But many of the women return home. Statistics suggest women often return home six or seven times before they make the final break. About 20 percent of the Safe House residents have been there before. The Safe House properly provides a foundation of support, not judgment. Most also come with children, some of whom have also been abused. The average stay is about one month.

The Safe House keeps a wish list of needed items. Many of the clients leave their homes in the middle of the night with only what they can carry or wear. A great need at the center is also to provide these women with items for setting up a new home.

The Safe House for Women exists because the need is great in the region. It also exists directly because of the generosity and support from businesses, organizations and individuals like you.

Safe House Needs List

Paper towels

Pre-paid phonecards

Full-size microwave

Pine cleaner

Laundry detergent

Bleach

Glass cleaner

General purpose cleanser

Dish washing liquid

Floor cleaner

Furniture polish

Lysol spray

Toilet bowl cleaner

Scouring pads

Trash bags

Freezer paper

Baggies

Aluminum foil

Plastic wrap

Pillows

Towels

Sheets

Comforters

Alarm clocks

Underwear

Bras

Rubbermaid storage containers

Milk crates

Picnic table

Playground surface wood chips/rocks

Car seats

Booster seats

High chairs

Rubbermaid step stools

Deodorant

Razors

Shampoo

Conditioner

Brushes/combs

Diapers, especially large

Tampons

Baby wipes

Baby powder

Baby shampoo

House shoes/slippers

Volunteers are also needed for short-term babysitting and transportation.

To donate, call the Safe House at 335-7745.