As I reflect on the journey of “A Purse Full of Hope,” I am filled with mixed emotions. This initiative wasn’t born from a desire to be in the spotlight but from a deep, personal connection to the cause. Before diving into this project, my support for shelters in Arizona was general, assisting women and children from various backgrounds. It wasn’t until 2020 that I focused exclusively on domestic violence.
That year marked a turning point for me. Amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, the surge in reports of domestic violence caught my attention and struck a personal chord, bringing back memories of my own experiences. The situation was alarming, and with the world shutting down, I realized that many women were left with nowhere to turn. That is when the idea of Fill a Purse Domestic Violence Drive 2020 arose – a donation drive that aimed to do more than provide material aid. It was about bringing a glimmer of hope to women trapped in the cycle of abuse.
The Stark Reality of Domestic Violence
The sad truth is hard to face: last year, 16 people were killed by their partners in Connecticut, and at least half of those homicides were witnessed by children at an average age of 6, according to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence and echoed by Hartford Courant. Also, in Connecticut alone, there were almost 13,000 domestic violence calls in 2022, as stated by the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. This is the grim reality we are up against.
2023: A Milestone Year for “A Purse Full of Hope”
Fast forward to 2023, and “A Purse Full of Hope” became a powerful movement in its fourth year. With our continuous collaboration with Daybreak Coffee Roasters in Glastonbury and harnessing the power of online donations through an Amazon Wish List, we took a giant leap forward. We transformed simple purses into meaningful symbols of solidarity and resistance against domestic violence.
The coverage and support from NBC News Connecticut and WTNH/8NEWS have been instrumental. They’ve helped us shine a light on these critical issues, emphasizing that our fight is not just against statistics but for real lives and hopeful futures. Every purse we fill, every contribution we receive, and every story we share moves us closer to a future where hope outshines fear and hardship
You Made Things Happen
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported “A Purse Full of Hope.” Your donations, whether in the form of items, funds, or even spreading the word, have been crucial. WE SURPASSED OUR GOAL, filling 150 purses!
Through “A Purse Full of Hope,” we’re not just giving material aid but strength, support, and a message of unity. It’s about more than the contents of a purse; it’s about filling lives with hope, and we showed that together, we can make a real difference.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Determination
As we move forward, my mission and promise are to fill even more purses, to reach more women, and to continue breaking the silence around domestic violence. To continue empowering, supporting, and inspiring. Because every woman and child deserves a future filled with hope, and together, we can Make Things Happen and make that a reality.
What else can you do?
It is not easy to be in a domestic violence situation yourself, but it is also hard to watch or suspect from afar and feel helpless. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, know that there are many people, organizations and resources that can help.
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) for those who have difficulty hearing. If you are looking for a local CT resource, visit CTSafeConnect.org or call/text (888) 774-2900.
Resources
“Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2023.” Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2023, https://www.ctcadv.org/resources/press/DVAM2023”
“Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2023.” Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2023, https://www.ctcadv.org/resources/press/DVAM2023