Helping to Turn Victims into Survivors

~ Domestic Violence Awareness Month ~

Helping to turn Victims into Survivors!

No woman, man or child deserves to be abused by someone they love. Having the trust ripped out from underneath you is much worse than you think. It can be life changing and leaves you feeling damaged... The worse part is feeling trapped without any choices. It's a sad place to be and you will gain no good from ignoring your pain and "toughing it out for the kids." That phrase needs to be erased from our vocabulary because truthfully.... What advantages do you think a child receives when they have to deal with violence and abuse at home? Divorce/Separation is always hard at first, for children and parents, but the benefits are much higher and safer than Injury, Depression, Fear, Loss of Self-Confidence and possible Loss of Life...

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and My Kind Of Introduction will be sharing all sorts of information, personal stories, giveaways and so much more throughout the next few weeks. I'll have local information as well as information that will help you no matter where you're at in the world.

I want to start out by sharing a bit of my story.

My name is Autumn and I am a WAHM of 2 daughters, I also have 2 step-sons who don't live with us. I live with my daughters and fiancé in North Carolina and as you know... I run this blog, My Kind Of Introduction, as well as sell Soy Candles and Spa Supplies from SoyL Scents. I'm just like everyone else - I'm a normal girl, living a normal life. I'm also a Domestic Violence Survivor.
My childhood memories are a mix of wonderful moments along with many not so great memories. I've seen a lot of things that a young girl shouldn't of had to witness and my little brothers have too. I've gave my brothers comfort when the yelling got too bad in the rest of house. I've ran away, just to climb back in through my bedroom window. I watched my mom  get abused for years, I've been abused myself (Physically and Emotionally) . But I don't let all of that bring me down. You have to think on the bright side... I got out of the abusive home many years ago and  my mom is no longer married to the man who hurt us. It may have taken us some time and alot of strength, but we did it.
There is HOPE out there!!

If you or someone you know is being abused, get help NOW! The situation will only get worse with time and you never know what day will be too late. 

During the month of October, I've chosen to help out a local Domestic Violence Help Center and Shelter in Asheville NC called Helpmate. They are located in downtown Asheville and have helped many women and children throughout their time of operation. Helpmate has a Wish List on their website full of many items that are needed for them to continue helping all of their clients who are in need. I've decided to host a few donation drives, in hopes to collect some of the supplies that are needed.

Some examples of the items that I'm collecting this month are:

• Book Donation: Used/New Children Books, School and Office Supplies (paper, notebooks, small calendars, crayons, pens, pencils)

• Clothes Donation: New or Slightly Used Winter Clothes and shoes for kids of all ages (Newborn - Teenager) & Adult Women Clothes in all sizes. - New Socks and Underwear for children and adults.

• Household Donation: Kitchen Items (Stainless Steel Pots & pans for the Shelter, Tableware, silverware) Alarm Clocks, CD Player/Radios,  bedding, table lamps, Mops, Brooms, Blankets, other home needs.

• Gift Card Donation: Helpmate also accepts gift cards for stores like Walmart, KMart, BiLo's, Ingles, Old  Navy and other stores where needed items can be purchased. After long thought, I've realized that many people give gift cards during holidays and birthdays and such, but not all of those gift cards are used. Maybe you don't shop at the store that the gift card is from, or you've already purchased what you want from the store and have a balance left over that you would like to donate. You don't have to spend money to do the right thing. Every little bit counts and can help out a family in need. (Gift cards are used to purchase Shoes and Clothing, Food, Household Items, Toiletries etc.)

Other items that are also needed are: Personal bathroom items  such as Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, tampons, toilet paper, etc. Non-perishable Food is always needed as well as Baby Supplies such as Diapers, Baby Wipes, Clothing, Furniture, etc.

I will also be taking Monetary Donations for Domestic Violence Awareness as well and would love your help and support!!
Donate to the cause using the button below or through PayPal with the following email:
(DomesticViolenceAwareness.MKOI@yahoo.com)

All collections will go toward Domestic Violence Services in North Carolina and are greatly appreciated!

Thank you for supporting this cause!

Domestic Violence is a dangerous curse that is poisoning the save haven that we all know as Home. Something has to be done!

If you would like to be a sponsor, donate any items to the cause or have ideas to help out, Send me an email at AutoFaerie@gmail.com. I’ll be collecting donations throughout all of October and can meet up with local contributors. At the end of the month, I will be personally delivering all collected items to Helpmate in Asheville, NC. The Donation Paypal account will continue to stay active, I'll be accepting monetary donations for Helpmate and Domestic Violence Awareness for as long as they are given.

Help me add more Purple Ribbons to the line of popular Awareness Ribbons that are promoted and seen everywhere.