Domestic violence is a silent epidemic that tears through communities, leaving trauma, fear, and heartbreak in its wake. In Houston County, Georgia, the need to address this issue has never been more urgent. With our county ranking in the 90th percentile for domestic violence incidents, the time to act is now. Wind Haven Foundation is committed to fighting this crisis, but we need your help to keep our mission alive and our services available to those in need.
The Reality of Domestic Violence in Houston County
Startling Statistics
Houston County is facing a domestic violence crisis. Recent data shows that our county ranks in the 90th percentile for domestic violence incidents in Georgia. In other words, Houston County experiences one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the state. Moreover, in Warner Robins alone, the police department responds to approximately 4,500 domestic incidents each year. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent real people, real families, and real lives shattered by abuse.
Impact on the Community
Domestic violence doesn’t just affect the individuals involved; it impacts the entire community. Additionally, children who grow up in homes where domestic violence occurs are more likely to become victims or perpetrators themselves. As a result, the cycle of abuse continues, spreading trauma and fear across generations.
An overwhelming number of domestic violence incidents places a significant burden on local police departments. For example, Warner Robins Police Department, with its 4,500 domestic incidents annually, faces challenges in addressing other critical criminal activities due to the high volume of domestic disputes. When police resources are stretched thin, they have less time and capacity to respond to other crimes, potentially leaving the community vulnerable to various types of criminal activity. This strain underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive support systems to alleviate the pressure on law enforcement and improve overall community safety.
Businesses also suffer when employees are distracted or unable to work due to domestic violence. Schools feel the strain when students bring their trauma into the classroom. Domestic violence is not just a private issue—it is a community crisis that requires a community response.
The Role of Wind Haven Foundation
Our Mission and Services
Wind Haven Foundation was established in 2020 to break the cycle of domestic violence in Houston County. Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, there was a decrease in calls for help and an increase in fatalities from domestic violence. Our mission is to provide support for survivors and offer them the resources they need to rebuild their lives. Although we do not currently have a physical building for emergency shelter, we operate remotely from our homes, providing virtual support and coordinating with other resources to assist survivors.
This was primarily a result of the COVID-19 lockdown, and we have been working to expand our outreach to improve the underdeveloped support infrastructure in Houston County. We have also temporarily housed survivors in our homes, but this has proven unsustainable due to the growing need for more comprehensive solutions.
Our services include advocacy, peer support, educational programs, financial assistance, transportation services, and an online support group. Specifically, this support group, accessible through our website, offers survivors free access to resources and materials for their recovery and well-being. Furthermore, we also direct survivors to existing local resources that can offer further support. However, it just isn’t enough. Unfortunately, current shelters are consistently full and overwhelmed with calls.
Success Stories
Over the years, we’ve seen lives transformed through our programs. For instance, one of our clients came to us after enduring years of abuse. With our help, she was able to get a vehicle, secure a job, and find stable housing. Today, she is thriving and has become an advocate for other survivors in our community.
Current Challenges
Despite our successes, Wind Haven Foundation is facing significant challenges. For the past four years, our dedicated staff has been working tirelessly on a volunteer basis, providing essential services without compensation. While our commitment to the cause remains strong, the strain of operating without adequate funding is becoming unsustainable. We need to secure operational funding not only to continue our current work but also to expand our services and reach even more survivors in need.
Why Operational Funding Matters
Sustaining Essential Services
Operational funding is critical for maintaining our current virtual operations and continuing to support survivors effectively. Although we do not have a physical building yet, our remote work, virtual support, financial assistance, and coordination with other resources are vital for assisting survivors. Without adequate funding, we risk losing the ability to provide these essential services. Moreover, the importance of sustaining our virtual operations and outreach cannot be overstated—every dollar raised goes directly toward helping survivors find safety and hope.
Supporting Dedicated Staff
Our team has been working without pay for four years, driven by a deep passion for our mission. However, we recognize that to continue our work effectively, we need to support our staff financially. Funding will allow us to compensate our current team, ensuring that they can continue to dedicate their time and expertise to this critical cause. Additionally, securing funds will enable us to hire a fundraising director and grant writer, who will play a key role in expanding our resources and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our programs.
Building for the Future
Beyond maintaining our current operations, we also have a vision for the future. Specifically, we aim to acquire a permanent building for a physical shelter and local programs, which will greatly enhance our capacity to support survivors. However, this vision is only achievable with the support of our community. By investing in Wind Haven Foundation, you are not just helping us maintain our current services—you are also contributing to a brighter, safer future for countless individuals in Houston County.
How You Can Help End Domestic Violence
Donate Today
We are calling on the residents and businesses of Houston County to join us in the fight against domestic violence. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Your contribution will directly support our operational needs, allowing us to continue providing life-saving services to survivors in our community. Whether you can give $10, $100, or more, your generosity will have an immediate impact.
Sponsor Change & Hope
For businesses looking to make a larger impact, we offer a unique opportunity to sponsor change and hope. By sponsoring Wind Haven Foundation, you can help fund our comprehensive programs and support our vision for a new shelter. This sponsorship is an investment in creating a safe and supportive environment for survivors, and it positions your business as a key supporter of our mission. In return, your business will be recognized as a champion of change both online and in our community outreach efforts. Sponsorship is more than just a charitable contribution—it’s a commitment to building a safer, more compassionate community.
Investment Strategy
To further maximize the impact of your contributions, Wind Haven Foundation will utilize an investment strategy to grow the seeds planted by donors and sponsors. Additionally, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are exempt from capital gains tax, allowing us to invest funds in a way that generates additional revenue to support our programs. This strategic approach ensures that every dollar invested in our mission continues to work towards creating lasting change in our community.
for Domestic Violence Awareness
Share Our Campaign
Even if you are unable to donate or sponsor at this time, you can still help by spreading the word. Share our campaign on social media, tell your friends and family, and encourage others to get involved. The more people who know about our cause, the more support we can garner. Together, we can amplify our message and reach those who have the resources to help.
The Impact of Your Contribution
Immediate Benefits
Your contribution will have an immediate impact on our ability to sustain and expand our services. Further, it will ensure that our team can continue their vital work and that survivors in Houston County have access to the support they need. Without your support, many of these services could disappear, leaving survivors without the help they desperately need.
Long-Term Vision
Looking ahead, your support will help us build a future where domestic violence is no longer a pervasive issue in our community. We envision a Houston County where every individual has the resources and support to live free from fear and abuse. Therefore, by contributing to Wind Haven Foundation, you are helping to make this vision a reality.
Gratitude and Acknowledgment
We are deeply grateful to all who have supported us in the past, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to those who choose to join us now. Your generosity and commitment to ending domestic violence in Houston County are what make our work possible. Together, we can keep hope alive for those who need it most.
Conclusion
The fight against domestic violence is far from over, but with your help, we can make a real difference in Houston County. The need is urgent, and the time to act is now. Please consider making a donation today, sponsoring change and hope, or sharing our campaign with your network. Let’s work together to keep hope alive and end domestic violence in our community.
References
13WMAZ. (2021). Central Georgia law enforcement says domestic violence disputes ‘highly volatile,’ dangerous. Retrieved from https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/theyre-highly-volatile-domestic-violence-disputes-dangerous-for-central-georgia-officers-2/93-0f351a00-0c91-4f6c-b312-829d3f160f9c
Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (2023). Annual Report 2023. Retrieved from https://gcadv.org/reports
Georgia Commission on Family Violence. (2023). Family Violence Statistics. Retrieved from https://gcfv.georgia.gov/statistics
