In May of 2007, our current Executive Director was hosting a fundraiser for a domestic violence shelter through her direct sales company she worked for. After the fundraiser, the Pastor of Sheltering Wings Domestic Violence Shelter sat down and shared the statistics with our current Executive Director and 3 other women. The Pastor shared there is a need for a domestic violence organization on the Westside of Indianapolis because the need is great. After months of research, our current Executive Director and the three women formed the first Board of Director's in September of 2007.

Beacon of Hope has made progress:

• Received a Federal Grant in 2010 and 2011
• 680 women and children served
• 14 family pets assisted by Beacon of Hope to reach safety
• 38 group counseling nights held
• 14 fundraisers held
• 125 families receive clothing and food

In July of 2010, Beacon of Hope launched their Foster Pet Program and now has 25 foster families to help assist victims who need to get into a safe place. One of the leading reasons women do not leave their abusive situation is they do not want to leave their family pet behind.

A WOMAN IS ABUSED EVERY 9 SECONDS

Statistics show 63 women, children and men lost their lives to domestic violence from July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010

• In most cases, attacks are witnessed by children. Children from homes where domestic violence is present are more likely to be victims of abuse themselves.
  
  
• Women, children and family pets are losing their lives everyday in the USA
  
  
• One out of every three teens are involved in a violent dating relationship.
  
  
• There are very few organizations on the Westside to assist victims.
  
  
• Shelter providers have stated they need our help with the overwhelming amount of calls they receive from the Westside.
  
  
• Domestic violence abuse is the leading cause of women coming to the emergency rooms over car accidents and cancer.
  
  

Beacon of Hope is excited to be collaborating and building lasting relationships with other shelter providers and organizations such as Sheltering Wings, Legacy House, Connect2Help, Neighborhood Legal Association, Desert Rose, Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence Network, and Marion County Prosecutors Office.

We will be celebrating our 2 year anniversary on July 27th and what an amazing two years it has been. Beacon of Hope has had many victories since opening its doors. We have served over 680 women and children through our crisis and resource line, individual and group counseling, our pet program, and clothing food and emergency hotel assistance. We have had and will continue to host successful events to raise funds to continue our programs.

I feel much rewarded to be serving as the Executive Director and it has changed my life forever. I have the privilege of meeting these women and children who are suffering from domestic violence abuse and watch them grow as Beacon of Hope begins their healing process.

As a domestic violence survivor from a previous marriage, I have a deep passion for this cause and I urge each one of you reading our website, to help in anyway you can to break the cycle of domestic violence. From my own experience, domestic violence robs a woman of their self worth, dignity and SELF RESPECT.

I would like to take this time to show my appreciation to all the individuals, companies, organizations and churches who have donated their money, time and efforts to help Beacon of Hope succeed in their 2nd year of operation. Without you, we would not be a thriving organization on the Westside of Indianapolis serving victims of domestic violence.

Domestic violence is a community problem and will continue to be if everyone does not get involved in someway eliminate it.

Warmest Regards,

Terry Moore, Executive Director
Beacon of Hope Center for Women, Inc.