Des Moines, Iowa – Children & Families of Iowa’s (CFI) Domestic Violence Services’ shelter received a makeover for all resident rooms thanks to Wells Fargo team members.
A team of 60 Wells Fargo employees spent last week at the domestic violence shelter painting 15 bedrooms, a playroom and the dining room. The team, all members of a Wells Fargo fulfillment group with offices in Des Moines, Urbandale and Jacksonville, Fla., also raised $2,600 to purchase bedding and towels for shelter residents.
“Each year, our team raises money to buy household basics for one young adult who has transitioned out of the foster care system and needs help setting up a home of his or her own,” said Linae Hartwig, who heads up the volunteer effort for Wells Fargo. “This year, we raised enough money to do something a little bigger – a makeover for all the rooms at the shelter. It’s one thing we can do to help those who flee from a violent relationship.” Other companies joined in to help with the project, including Bed, Bath & Beyond, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.
As the only domestic violence shelter in Polk County, CFI provided 499 domestic violence victims with safe shelter last year. “With short stays and constant turnover in residents, there is a lot of wear and tear on our facilities,” says Gloria Gray, CFI Executive Director. “Our staff work tirelessly to make sure our clients are safe, and on the path towards independence, through assistance with ermanent housing, employment/education and life skills. We are very thankful to Wells Fargo volunteers, as well as the stores who participated, for helping us provide this service to individuals who need a safe place to stay.”
