Published: November 02, 2009 12:00 pm      

Lending support | 'Help an Angel in Shelter' benefits Women's Help Center Inc.

BY RUTH RICE

RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM

An angelic mouse is still helping victims of domestic violence find shelter.

“Help an Angel in Shelter,” one of the major fundraisers for the Women’s Help Center Inc. of Cambria and Somerset counties, is in its 20th year.

The project’s logo is a mouse dressed as an angel, with paws folded in prayer.

“We want to celebrate the success of the project by increasing the awareness of domestic violence,” said help center executive director Susan Shahade.

The paper mouse with a space for the donor’s name is still $1 and will be available through Jan. 5.

“They’re available in packages of 25, and we will package and deliver them to participants, with posters to spread the word,” Shahade said.

This year, Shahade changed the format of how she asks businesses, churches and organizations for their support.

Rather than sending out her usual letter, Shahade recently sent out 500 greeting cards featuring the familiar praying mouse on the outside with a description of the project on the inside.

“We will follow up with phone calls,” Shahade said.

“The response has been favorable. They’ve been calling back and saying yes, they want to help.”

Community support will be very important this year, with federal and state funding cuts that have slashed five positions from Shahade’s staff.

“We have not reduced or eliminated any services, but requests for services are escalating,” Shahade said.

“It has been a difficult year. The community has been very supportive, and we hope people step forward.”

Last year, the “Help an Angel in Shelter” project had more than 200 participants and raised nearly $10,000.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit those we serve,” Shahade said. “Not one dime goes to administrative costs.”

Shahade added that holiday funds will be taken out of money raised first.

This includes holiday gifts, meals and decorations for those staying at the help center’s facility.

Next, those who have received assistance throughout the year and are now violence-free and rebuilding their lives will be given aid.

Any additional funds will be used to assist those receiving assistance from the help center’s counseling center.

“It can be something as simple as a gift or Christmas cookie or as significant as eyeglasses for a victim or her child,” Shahade said.



To donate

What: “Help an Angel in Shelter” fundraiser for Women’s Help Center Inc. of Cambria and Somerset counties.

Cost: $1 donations for a paper angel that can be personalized.

Information: 536-5361.