Many domestic violence victim service providers are expecting an increase in need for their services as COVID-19 continues to impact communities across the country. As businesses closed and stay-at-home orders were put in place, survivors of domestic violence faced a heightened risk of abuse if they were at home with their abuser and increased financial difficulties as many people were forced to apply for unemployment.
The pandemic has exacerbated the ongoing need for critical funding for nonprofits, especially those that serve survivors of domestic violence. Waypoint is grateful for everyone who has continued to support the Domestic Violence Victim Services Program throughout these unprecendented times. Specifically, Waypoint would like to thank the Allstate Foundation, which recently provided the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) with a Moving Ahead Grant for financial literacy courses. Waypoint was selected as one of ICADV’s partners to facilitate these courses.
“This grant will provide specialized job training, matched-savings programs, credit-building services, and financial education,” said Nelly Hill, Waypoint’s Director of Domestic Violence Victim Services Program. “We’re grateful to have partners like The Allstate Foundation and the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence.”
The Moving Ahead grants are a deeply-rooted portion of The Allstate Foundation’s 15-year commitment to ending domestic violence through financial empowerment. 26 state coalitions will receive a total of $1.5 million in funding this year from the Foundation.
“The controlling tactics used by abusers create a devasting ripple effect that makes it feel nearly impossible for a survivor to break free,” said Ellen Lisak, Senior Program Officer at The Allstate Foundation. “For over a decade, we’ve reinforced our investment to provide survivors hope.”
If you or someone you know needs help, please call Waypoint’s 24/7 Resource & Support Line at 1.800.208.0388 or 319.363.2093. If you are outside of Waypoint’s service area, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or TTY (for deaf or hard of hearing individuals) at 1.800.787.3224. To learn more about the warning signs of domestic violence, see the resources offered by The Allstate Foundation or visit Waypoint’s website.
The Allstate Foundation (TAF) is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation. Since 2005, TAF has invested over $70 million to end domestic violence and financial abuse and helped 2 million survivors rebuild their lives through financial empowerment. More information is available by following @AllstateFDN on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Waypoint’s Domestic Violence Victim Services Program serves over 2,600 victims and survivors of domestic violence each year through advocacy, access to resources, safety planning, and more. Waypoint is the comprehensive service provider for Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Delaware, Dubuque, Linn, and Jones Counties in Iowa.
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Survivors’ Program transitions from Horizons to Waypoint
The Survivors’ Program, previously administered by Horizons, has transitioned to Waypoint as of August 10, 2020.
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The COVID-19 Impact
The COVID-19 health crisis has had a devastating impact across the country, including right here in our own community. As businesses closed and shelter-in-place orders were put into place, individuals and families struggled to adjust to the new normal. The individuals and families Waypoint serves were hit even harder as they worked to navigate homelessness, domestic violence, and poverty now intensified by unemployment, health concerns, and social isolation. Please read below to see how COVID-19 affected our programs.