YWCA Evanston/North Shore raised more than $337,000 for domestic violence survivors as part of the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge, and will receive another $95,000 in grants from Allstate for its efforts to increase awareness and raise funds for services.
YWCA was one of more than 160 nonprofits from around the country selected to participate in the Challenge, which coincided with National Domestic Awareness Month in October, a key fundraising time for organizations that provide domestic violence services.
One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. In 98 percent of cases, victims will suffer from financial abuse, which means their abusers will deny or limit access to money and financial resources. The Challenge is part of the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse campaign to help domestic violence survivors achieve long-term safety and security through financial empowerment.
“The money raised through the Purple Purse Challenge will help ensure survivors receive the support they need to break free and stay free from violence,” said Karen Singer, President/CEO of YWCA Evanston/North Shore. “Participating in the Challenge gave us the opportunity to be part of an important movement across the country, and locally, it’s helped us raise much-needed funds for abuse survivors and expand our capacity to reach more people.”
On an average day last year, nationwide, nearly 11,000 requests for emergency shelter, legal counsel and other services went unanswered due to a lack of funding at domestic violence nonprofits.
People can continue to support the cause by purchasing Purse charms for $10, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting nonprofits. More information is available at PurplePurse.com.
If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224, or YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s 24-hour crisis line at 1-877-718-1868.