At our monthly BPW luncheon on March 20, 2024, we heard from Sheryl Schwab, CEO of Domestic Abuse Shelters (DAS), about the desperate need to rebuild the emergency shelter that was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017 (yes, 2017!).
We also learned about the vision for the new DAS shelter, which will serve as a refuge for Middle and Upper Keys residents who urgently need to escape abusive and dangerous situations in their own homes. You can view the presentation here.
In addition to replacing the 25 beds that were lost almost seven years ago, the new facility will feature a children's playroom, a "tranquility room," a community room, a "dress for success" center, a business center and kennel space. (Did you know that many people stay in abusive environments because they can't bring themselves to leave their pets behind with the abuser?)
Let's "Give Hope a Home"
At that same luncheon, Upper Keys BPW announced the "Give Hope a Home" campaign -- an initiative to raise $10,000 for the business center where survivors will have workspace, computers, printers and other essential resources to search for jobs, find a place to live and more.
As sponsor of the business center, Upper Keys BPW will be recognized with a permanent plaque displayed in the facility, creating a lasting legacy for our organization.
Thanks to the generous members who donated and pledged on the spot to support this project, we have already raised more than $4,000 toward the goal!
That leaves just under $6,000 to go... and with more than 100 members and hundreds more BPW supporters, we know we can do this.
Our friends and neighbors need our help!The suggested donation is $100 -- but any amount is meaningful to our friends and neighbors desperately seeking to escape the violence. Will you help?
CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE
To donate by check, make your check payable to "Upper Keys BPW" and be sure to add "DAS campaign" in the memo line so we know to allocate it to this effort. Bring the check to any BPW event or mail it to Upper Keys BPW, P.O. Box 231, Tavernier, FL 33070.
And for yet another way to contribute to this effort (or any other nonprofit cause in our community), check out this information about the Jean Stearns Legacy Challenge, also shared at last week's luncheon by BPW member Elizabeth Brown, VP for Philanthropy at the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys.
Thank you for supporting the BPW mission of achieving equity for working women so that every woman - regardless of circumstance - can reach her full potential!
With gratitude and warm regards,
The Board of Directors of Upper Keys BPW
P.S. We also welcome donations of items, services or experiences to be raffled or auctioned at BPW events. If you have an appropriate offering, please contact board member Patricia Milian via email (patmilian@yahoo.com) or text (954-304-4485). Thank you!
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