| | |

Due to an abuser’s need for control, getting everyday supplies can be difficult for a survivor of domestic abuse.

By Kathleen Davis, Domestic Abuse Resource Center Director

Oftentimes, abusers dominate their victims by controlling the household money or not allowing her* to go anywhere.

To help clients get these basic necessities, we have a supply pantry, filled 100% by local donations.

Helping Services recently received a grant for $2,000 from Farm Credit Services of America to restock this pantry. Domestic Abuse Resource Center clients are able to access the supply pantry, which includes non-perishable food items—boxed-ready meals, spaghetti and pasta, peanut butter, cereal, oatmeal, canned vegetables, soup, and infant formula—as well as cleaning and personal products, paper products, diapers, and wipes.

Area donors also fill the pantry by organizing pantry drives or dropping off supplies. Recently, these donors have filled the shelves: St. Paul Lutheran Church staff and parishioners; Terrie Allen, yoga instructor; Decades of Oelwein; the Oelwein Library; Gavin’s Grocery; Oelwein Fareway Store; and Upper Iowa University student-athletes.

For a time, clients can receive fresh food because of a generous $500 donation from a local donor. This gift allows our advocates to purchase needed perishable food items, including milk, bread, meat, and vegetables for clients.

We greatly appreciate the generosity of every donor who has stocked the client supply pantry. They have all eased an element of stress, during a very trying time for a survivor and her children.


*96% of our clients so far this year are females.

If you are interested in donating to the pantry or organizing a pantry drive for our clients, please contact us at 800-383-2988.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.