Avalon Celebrates 30 Years
Avalon Celebrates 30 Years of Support, Strength and Empowerment for Greater Williamsburg Survivors of Domestic Violence, Stalking, Sexual Assault, and Homelessness
Three decades ago, a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault in the Greater Williamsburg Area had no resources outside of hospitals and the police. In 1980, Avalon: A Center for Women and Children opened its doors to become the community's first and only emergency shelter for domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault survivors and their children. Avalon has served more than 11,000 survivors over the years and continues to be a source of hope and strength for women and children with nowhere to turn.
Avalon is committed to intervening in and reducing the incidence of domestic violence and sexual assault. In
order to achieve this mission, Avalon offers shelter, advocacy, education, and support to survivors and fosters awareness and prevention by educating the community. We are able to meet the unique needs of survivors by providing the following services:
- 24-Hour Help Line (If you need help or know someone who does, please call 757.258.5051 for assistance).
- 19-bed Emergency Shelter
- 6 two-bedroom transitional housing units
- Individual and Group Counseling
- Self Sufficiency Services (such as assistance with securing employment, housing, and community resources)
- Community Outreach
- Legal Advocacy
- School-Based Prevention Services
- Education and Awareness
Survivors in our community can depend on the supportive team of staff and volunteers where they are seen, heard, and valued for their perseverance and strength. We have come together over the years to assert that no matter whom you love, how much you earn, or what you look like, no one deserves the pain and sadness of domestic and sexual violence. Avalon is the source of support to help those in need find a path to a future free of violence, poverty, and fear.
Your support, donations, prayers, and countless volunteer hours have made the last thirty years possible, and have planted the seed of hope for years to come. The women and children we serve have been touched by your kindness and are moving forward with hope, strength, and empowerment to guide their way.
Together, we can continue to make a world of difference to Greater Williamsburg’s survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and homelessness.
“We came to Avalon with nothing but the clothes on our backs. Eight short weeks later, I had a job, I had safety for my children, and best of all… I had hope.”
~ Rachel, age 32, Mother of two children
Labels: Avalon, Branch Out, domestic violence, sexual assault
posted by Avalon: A Center for Women and Children @ 4:21 PM
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