Your Gift. Their Future.

When Sofia first walked into one of our weekly support groups, she carried with her not only the weight of a decade-long explosive relationship with her abusive husband, Michael, but also the silent struggles of her young son, Mateo. Sofia confided in a close friend that she was ready to find help. Filled with uncertainty about what to do next, they reached out to the Center for Nonviolence.

Our advocates helped her access our Emergency Assistance Fund and connected her to trusted local resources; Sofia secured stable housing for herself and Mateo. Even then, her heart ached, worrying about how these early experiences might shape Mateo’s future.

Children like Mateo, who grow up witnessing domestic violence, often face feelings of fear and guilt— entirely alone. Without access to vital services and support, the effects of such violence in the home are much more likely to follow them into adulthood, impacting their self-worth and future relationships. This is where our community comes in for families like Sofia and Mateo.                                 

Over a few weeks of meeting regularly with an advocate, we were not only able to connect Sofia with housing resources in town, but we were also by her side as she worked on a safety plan— accompanying her to court as she and her ex-husband established a parenting plan that feels safe and stable for their family.

In our free weekly support groups, Sofia has found a supportive space to heal alongside other survivors. While Sofia is in group, Mateo participates in our youth support program. He’s discovering his voice, learning to build healthy relationships, and coming to understand what it means to lead with nonviolence.

Nowadays, Sofia speaks confidently about setting boundaries and standing firm when she feels diminished. She brings inspiration to others in the support group and, even more importantly, to Mateo.

Our support and advocacy services are transformative and life-changing, sparking cycles of hope and resilience for hundreds of families across Allen County and the surrounding area. In fact, 100% of survivors surveyed report feeling more empowered to set personal goals, create safety plans, and establish healthy boundaries in their relationships. Sofia and Mateo are two of over 1,200 program participants who find a lasting community at the Center year after year.

Right now we’re facing rising economic pressures and funding challenges. To keep offering these resources free of charge, we need more than awareness—we need support from caring people like you.

Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, every gift that you and community members like you make through the end of 2024 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $2,000.

Here is what your donation can do:

Your donation today could make all the difference for a family like Sofia and Mateo.

Let's double the impact of your generosity with this special matching moment!