July 30, 2008

Amy's Courage Fund

Amy's Courage Fund

In April 2002, Amy wrote a note and taped it to the inside of her desk drawer. It read "Today Ron Ball and I are romantically involved, but I fear I have placed myself at risk in a variety of ways. Based on his criminal past, writing this out just seems like the smart thing to do. If I am missing or dead this obviously has not protected me... " Two months after writing this note, Amy Latus tragically lost her life to domestic violence.

This is a program from the National Network to End Domestic Violence, and I wanted to spread the word about it.  It was actually a program I hadn't heard of, and I dare say many victims have not as well. 

Too many victims stay because they can't afford to move on, or they are disabled, or or or......There are so many reasons that go with it, but Financial is one of the most common part of it.  When you have 4 children, or even 1, that look to you for safety, having no food and no money to buy any, or to provide a safe place, is a horrible thing for any Mother to go through.

The Amy's Courage Fund was established to alleviate the financial constraints that often prevent a victim from escaping abuse. Amy’s Courage Fund provides emergency financial assistance of up to $2,000 to victims of domestic violence and their children to meet their immediate needs after escaping an abusive home.

Since 2003, NNEDV have provided more than $600,000 in emergency financial assistance to families throughout the country, helping them to establish a new life free by paying for:

  • Moving and transportation costs for victims who are fleeing, such as plane, train or bus tickets, U-Haul rentals, hotels and other travel expenses;

  • Rent and security deposits for new, safe homes;

  • Utilities, utility deposits and phone hook-ups;

  • Medical expenses such as doctor appointments, medication and prescription eyeglasses;

  • Legal fees and expenses for filing for protection orders, custody agreements and divorce;

  • Car repairs and transportation needs; and

  • Furniture, appliances, clothing and other household needs.

A Great program........  Information that needs to be spread for those that may be of need of it and not know it's out there....

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