United Way of the Lakeshore: Standing Against Domestic Violence – A 2024-2025 Commitment

As we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, United Way of the Lakeshore remains deeply committed to addressing one of the most critical issues facing our community: domestic violence. Domestic violence, along with child abuse and human trafficking, is one of our key impact priorities for 2024-2025, reflecting our mission to build healthy families and safe communities. In collaboration with our dedicated partners, we have funded six pivotal programs that provide life-saving support and advocacy for survivors across Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana counties.

Every Woman’s Place: Shelter and Advocacy for Survivors

Every Woman’s Place (EWP) stands as a beacon of hope for survivors of domestic violence along the lakeshore. The comprehensive services offered by EWP span from trauma response to long-term healing through counseling, legal advocacy, and job training.

EWP’s Safe Shelter Program, a United Way of the Lakeshore funded program, provides a safe haven for survivors fleeing domestic violence, offering 20 beds to individuals and their children. In addition to providing shelter, EWP also offers critical victim advocacy services, including financial literacy education to empower survivors as they rebuild their lives.

In 2023, of the 2,247 services administered by EWP, 567 were for residential shelter; the vast majority—1,680 services—were dedicated to victim advocacy, demonstrating the importance of holistic support beyond emergency shelter. The advocacy provided is often the key to helping survivors regain their independence, providing the resources and confidence needed to move forward.

Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE): Crisis Intervention for Rural Communities

For survivors in the rural counties of Oceana, Mason, Lake, and Manistee, Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE) offers crucial services that are often a lifeline. COVE operates 24/7, offering intimate partner violence survivors emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and crisis intervention.

United Way is a funded partner of COVE’s Crisis Intervention Program, which includes a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, sexual assault nurse examinations (SANE), and safety planning for survivors. COVE also plays an essential role in educating the community, addressing the root causes of violence, and providing trauma-informed care through collaboration with local systems.

Child Abuse Council of Muskegon County: Protecting Children Through Education and Advocacy

The Child Abuse Council of Muskegon County is at the forefront of child abuse prevention and intervention. Their mission to protect children and families is realized through comprehensive educational programs and community collaboration.

United Way of the Lakeshore is a funded partner of their Prevention Through Education Program reaches every school in Muskegon County, teaching students about child abuse prevention, personal body safety, and human trafficking awareness. This prevention effort extends to adults as well, through the Stewards of Children training, which equips adults with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child abuse.

The Child Abuse Council also operates the Children’s Advocacy Center, a child-friendly space where child victims and their caregivers receive forensic interviews, medical exams, counseling, and court advocacy—all critical services in addressing abuse and supporting healing.

In addition, the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program, another initiative supported by United Way, trains volunteers to advocate for children involved in abuse and neglect court cases, ensuring their voices are heard and their best interests are protected.

The Hope Project: Restoring Lives of Survivors of Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking is a pervasive issue that often hides in plain sight. The Hope Project works to support girls and women who have survived sex trafficking and prevent further exploitation through mentorship and education. United Way funds The Hope Project’s Group Therapy and Counseling Sessions, offering specialized therapy and peer support to survivors.

The variety of therapy groups offered includes an Adult Recovery Group, an 8-Week Therapist-Led Group for Youth Survivors, and a Mentorship Program that pairs vulnerable youth with mentors who guide them in building life skills, self-esteem, and healthy relationships. These programs focus on healing through creative therapies such as equine and music therapy, as well as peer support and life skills development.

A United Commitment to Safety and Healing

Our commitment to partnering with these life-saving programs reflects United Way of the Lakeshore’s broader goal of fostering healthy families and safe communities. As we move forward into 2024 and beyond, we are steadfast in our dedication to ensuring that survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking have the resources, advocacy, and support they need to thrive.

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we invite the community to stand with us. Your support can make a difference. Consider making a donation to help fund these critical programs at unitedwaylakeshore.org/donate. Or volunteer with us through our Volunteer Center to provide direct assistance to survivors and their families. Together, we can help break the cycle of violence and build a future where safety and dignity are the norm for all.

To donate or learn more about volunteering, visit our website at unitedwaylakeshore.org/volunteer or contact our office at (231) 332-4000.