Need is Outpacing Capacity
Domestic violence is more than a moment of physical abuse. It is excessive control which leads to hopelessness, homelessness, loss of work, and lives in crisis.
For almost 14 years, Micah’s Place has provided comprehensive services to help domestic violence victims and their families rebuild their lives and find safety. Each year, an increasing number of survivors from every corner of Nassau County seek Micah’s Place as a refuge from ongoing abuse, and as a support system to a better life.
Offering shelter to domestic violence survivors and their children is a frontline defense and most basic service. When it comes to domestic violence, until an individual and their children are safe, nothing else matters. We started with 16 beds and we have expanded to 20 beds, adding cribs and pullout sofas in our original space. At times, we are placing 28 people in a shelter that was built for 16.
Making do is not an option when a family is in desperate need.
The Solution – It takes a community!
Micah’s Place has set a goal of $1,000,000 to complete our expansion. Over half of this goal has been met and we seek to raise $500,000 in additional funding in order to expand our services to victims of domestic violence by building an addition to our emergency shelter. As of April 2017, $500,000 of the funding for this Capital Campaign has been secured. The first $250,000 has been established from years of planning by Micah’s Place. The next $250,000 has been secured from a generous anonymous donor. This is where we need our community. We live amongst roughly 78,499 other Nassau County residents. We challenge everyone, big and small, to get involved in making a difference in the lives of many. If we all give a little, Micah’s Place will be able to provide a lot.
Micah’s Place’s new addition will match the high quality of services and support that it currently provides to the community – and offer enough room to meet the needs of those fleeing violence. The extra space will also add additional comprehensive programs and services that will provide real change, empowering victims to become survivors. Each service is aimed at increasing the safety and self-sufficiency of victims of domestic violence.
The expansion will also be child focused. We know that the right environment helps the healing process and allows survivors and their children to begin new lives free from fear and abuse. Our “Building Hope!” capital campaign will provide a safer environment with ample open space, and the capacity to have multiple areas for children and their mothers to interact and connect during a time of extraordinary crisis.
We have enough land to expand at our current site and plans have been completed to add 3,458 square feet including 4 additional larger bedrooms for families with bathrooms, an additional kitchen and dining area, youth room, sitting room, laundry room and additional storage. We will also be expanding our parking lot, playground, and replacing our fence. By donating, you will not only help us monetarily; your gift will save lives.
You hold the tools to build a future for so many in our community. For more information please contact Heather Jones, Executive Director at 904-491-6364 x101 or Lauren Goode, Outreach & Community Engagement Director at 904-491-6364 x107.
There are several ways to donate. You can click on the “donate” button below to contribute through the secure site of PayPal.
You may mail your gift by check made payable to Micah’s Place:
Micah’s Place
P.O. Box 16287
Fernandina Beach, FL 32035