May 22, 2020 E-Newsletter

May 22, 2020

Dear Friends,
 
With YOUR support, we are deep-cleaning our facilities, practicing social distancing,
wearing face masks and keeping our shelter and programs up and running!
 
You help us keep our emergency shelter – the largest in the state – open 24 hours a
day for those in need. Thanks to you, our frontline heroes are providing counseling
and case management for adults and children, even during this difficult time. 
 
You are making a difference in the lives of so many, as they encounter the heightened
anxiety we’re all facing as a result of COVID-19, coupled with the
devastation and trauma of the domestic violence they have experienced.
 
If you would like to make a donation to help us keep our shelter and
programs running during this time, you may click here to donate 
or mail your gift to 594 Burritt Street, New Britain, CT 06053.
 
Thank you for the many ways you support our work.
We appreciate you each and every day!  

Our Front Line: Shelter

Our shelter & hotline services remain available 24/7 thanks to YOUR support!
While adjusting to a world of social distancing presents challenges for all,
there are unique circumstances for those in communal living.

Click here to see Shelter Advocate Jennette Livingston give a detailed
update and tells a story of survival during COVID-19. 

 
Our shelter common areas receive a deep cleaning several times a week,
with staff outfitted in full PPE, in order to prevent risks associated
with COVID-19. We are so thankful to our frontline heroes, like Mark
above, who are dedicated to keeping our residents safe!

Heroes of Hope: Supper Club

While we have a beautiful communal kitchen (see below!!) one thing that our residents
don’t always get is a special, home cooked meal. Because our community has been so
generous, we were able to create our Supper Club , a program that provides food donations
and hot, homemade meals for our shelter residents – giving them a taste of home!
Pictured are just a few recent Supper Club donations from our friends at
First Congregational Church, Voya Women’s Group, and 5 and Dime Canteen!
 
Our Supper Club program has provided our residents with countless meals,
and we could not be more thankful! If you are interested in taking part in a food or
Supper Club donation, please reach out to Emmeline at emysliwiec@prudencecrandall.org 

Flashback Friday

This week’s #FlashbackFriday brings us back to an exciting moment in
PCC history: our 2018 shelter renovation! Thanks to generous funding, we were able to give our
emergency shelter a major overhaul. One of our favorite new spaces is our kitchen!
The kitchen gives families not only a place to cook together, but during COVID-free
times allows families the chance to enjoy a sense of community over shared meals.

In addition to our new bathroom and living room (see above!) our shelter’s
living spaces also got a serious update! We have individual family rooms
complete with brand new twin beds and shelves for generous storage, and
a new, shelter overflow area with murphy beds and a kitchenette. As our shelter is
often in over-capacity, this overflow area has been a huge asset these past two years.
 
While we know we cannot fully replicate all the comforts of a safe, stable,
home in our shelter, our 2018 renovation made our shelter a more
comfortable place to live for our residents, as they work towards their
next steps in rebuilding their lives.

Newsroom

NBC News: It’s hard to flee from your domestic abuser during a coronavirus lockdown –
During the COVID-19 lockdown, calls for help to domestic violence hotlines have grown
shorter and more frantic. One woman shared her story with NBC News.

New York Times: Domestic Violence Calls Mount as Restrictions Linger: ‘No One Can Leave’ –
The coronavirus has created new tensions. Staying at home has worsened abusive situations.
Shelters worry about the spread of the virus.

Donate Now

Need Help? Let’s Talk.
Call the 24/7 free & confidential helpline. 
888-774-2900