Recent statistics reflect a growing incidence of crime on Indianapolis' west side, with the fastest growing category of crime being domestic violence abuse.

Beacon of Hope Center for Women is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization and is in the first stages of becoming a Domestic Violence Resource Center for victims of domestic violence abuse. Myself and a team of 10 are working very hard to achieve our goal. What started as a dream, is now a reality.

In May of 2007, Beacon of Hope Center for Women, Inc., grew out of a fundraiser for an existing domestic violence shelter hosted by our now President who has worked for a direct sales company for 6 years. After sitting down with the Pastor of that shelter and listening to the astounding statistics for domestic violence in Marion County, Indiana, it became apparent to those in attendance that there was a desperate need for more DV resources. It also became apparent that the need for services far exceeded the capacity of current facilities serving Indianapolis' west side. Four of the women attending the fundraiser became the founders of Beacon of Hope Center for Women, Inc., and one of them, the current Board President, is herself, a domestic violence survivor.
In the months of July through October of 2007, these women held community meetings to make their intentions known to the west side of Marion County, and to solicit support. The community has been very supportive from inviting us to be guest speakers, volunteering for our events, donating items or donating funds to help us get started. Local newspapers and radio stations have been very supportive of our adventure. Attendance at functions has been encouraging and has included the participation of local officials, representatives from the police department and the directors of other shelters in the region.

Since September of 2007, the date we were incorporated, we have hosted a Domestic Violence Rally, walked in two parades, created our web site, our logo, our team shirts, our business cards, hosted a Benefit Concert, West side Community Day sale, our President has been invited to be a guest speaker for the Lion's Club, Kiwanis Club, Chapel Rock Church, Garden Club organization, and a Church Connection Council meeting. We are a member of the 40 West Professionals and the Indiana Coalition against Domestic Violence. Our President has attended 4 conferences on Domestic Violence abuse and is a Certified Trainer in Domestic Violence.

Local newspapers have published numerous articles and notices concerning Beacon of Hope and its activities. Beacon of Hope has been out in the community raising awareness and funds to realize its goal of:

A WOMAN IS ABUSED EVERY 9 SECONDS

Statistics show, 21,000 women in Marion County were victims of domestic violence abuse in 2007

Almost 75% of domestic violence attacks are witnessed by children. Children from homes where domestic violence is present are 1,500 percent more likely to be victims of abuse themselves.

Last year, there were 88 women who lost their life to domestic violence in the state of Indiana

Women, children and family pets are losing their lives everyday in the USA

One out of every four teens are involved in a violent dating relationship.

There are very few organizations on the west side to assist victims.

Shelter providers have stated they need our help with the overwhelming amount of calls they receive from the west side. When the victim realizes how far the other shelters are, they decide not to travel and they stay with their abuser.

Domestic violence abuse is the leading cause of women coming to the emergency rooms over car accidents and cancer.

Domestic violence is in our neighborhoods, schools, churches, work places and possibly, in your own home.

Beacon of Hope is excited to be collaborating and building lasting relationships with other shelter providers and organizations.

Beacon of Hope will provide tender loving care for any victim of Domestic Violence abuse. We will have trained volunteers receiving crisis calls from victims, shelter providers or the police to assist them with their needs. We will build a data base for resources and referrals from local organizations, companies and individuals who have agreed to help out victims with their services such as housing, food, and medical care at no charge or only a minimal charge. We will provide legal services, group and individual counseling from Licensed Social Workers.

Our first priority at this time is to get everything in place that will be needed to open our Domestic Violence Support Center as soon as possible. This means we will need not only the funding and the location, but we will be concentrating on getting a volunteer base established and getting our volunteers trained so they will be able to serve the center well.

We will be networking with businesses primarily on the west side who will be willing to partner with us as resources to meet the needs of these women and their precious children. We will be looking for businesses and organizations who are able to assist the women with counseling and medical attention, who will be able to help with transportation needs, who will be able to help with child care needs, and who will be able to help with daily physical needs such as food, clothing and personal care. We will be networking with schools and companies to assist in job development and placement.

There is much to do because THE NEED IS GREAT. We are confident that we will be led to find many in Indianapolis who are eager and able to help.

As a domestic violence survivor myself from a previous marriage, I have a deep passion for this cause and I urge each and every one of you reading our web site to help in anyway you can to break the cycle of domestic violence. From my own experience, I can tell you this robs women of their self worth, dignity and perhaps to never allow them to feel like a whole person the way God created us to be.

Please feel free to contact me at (317) 201-8389. If you need immediate help and you are in danger, please call 911. If you are looking for other resources for help with food, shelter, counseling or other services you may call 211.

Respectfully,

Terry Moore
President, Beacon of Hope Center for Women

Thank you for your support you have shown us. Together we can achieve a better, safer, and more aware community and help victims of Domestic Violence abuse.