Agenda - Council - 02/28/1984 - Laserfiche WebLink

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/ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~he decision to leave a vig.lent relationship is not easy; most battered women are financially dependent on their spouse; the majority have children; most have a deep sense of responsib'ility to ~ntainlng the family unit. Women in abusive relationships live in constant fear of their partners, who usually control access to the outside world. Alexandra House provides a safe, supportive environmnt where a battered women can explore 'alternatives to her situation and get assistance in following .through on her decisions. We also offer quality progranmltng and childcare for children, er~_hling women to continue to work or to make arrangements to start a new life. ~he State of Minnesota recognizes the need for shelters in helping women escape from a violent situation. Counties are m~ndated to reimburse shelters for the cost of stay for women and children, who are eligible for Aid to Fmnilies with Dependent Children. However, in 1983, 30% of the families at Alexandra House did not q~llfy. ~ number is increasing due to 1. ) higher income eligibility standards, and 2. ) increasing numbers of women in the labor force. Most of these women are the "working poor" and cannot, afford the cost of stay. ($35.00 per day in 198~. For example, the cost for a working women with two children at Alexandra House for two weeks would be $1,470. ~liis cost is prohibitive since most women need whatever meager resources available to put a deposit on an apartment, pick up the mortgage on their homes, or perhaps move out of the state. ~he Emergency Shelter Sponsors' .Fund ensures safe shelter for all women. Alexandra House evaluates its services in three ways. 1. ) output objectives are evaluated by data cOllection and analysis; 2.) shelter residents are followed up at three, six and twelve month intervals to determine if they are in positive, violent-free relationships; and are attaining their stated personal goals;, educational activities are evaluated bY participant evaluation survey to detenulne if they are n~eting the needs of the participants. Alexandra House'is continually working on expanding its funding base. In 1982, we increased the number.of corporate contributors 67%. In 1983, we received United Way funding for the first time. In 1984, we hope to increase contributions from our local cormmmmities. Your contribution to the Emergency Shelter' Sponsors' Fund will ensure quality services' to women who work. Amount requested $3~000