May 12, 2015, Des Moines, IA – An estimated 20,000 Iowans were affected by domestic violence last year according to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. Survivors of domestic violence often face insurmountable challenges as they start their new lives free from violence. Two upcoming events provide the community with a way to help survivors break free from the cycle of violence.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 16! The Isabel Bloom store at Valley West Mall will hold a special event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Three different sculptures were designed and handcrafted to benefit Children & Families of Iowa (CFI). The store will donate 50 percent of proceeds to CFI’s Domestic Violence Services.
Attendees at the event will have the opportunity to meet and visit with Isabel Bloom artist Donna Young.
Online orders are available at www.cfiowa.org and can be picked up at the event or at CFI’s main office, located at 1111 University Avenue in Des Moines, beginning May 18. Office hours are Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Quantities are limited.
CFI’s Domestic Violence Services include the largest domestic violence shelter in Iowa and the only such shelter in Polk County, a local crisis hotline, medical and court advocacy for victims, assistance with employment resources, affordable transitional housing, and support groups for domestic violence victims. In fiscal year 2014, these services helped over 5,500 victims and their children.
Also on Saturday, May 16, the FreeStore is hosting its seventh annual Fill the Mayflower event from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the southwest corner of the Valley West Mall parking lot (corner of Westown Parkway and Valley West Drive).
The FreeStore is accepting new and gently used household items that will be donated to survivors of domestic violence who are on the path to independence and starting new homes free from violence. Many victims flee their abusive homes with not much more than the clothes on their back. The FreeStore helps them furnish their new homes. Items most needed include: sheets (twin and queen), towels, vacuums, kitchen utensils and appliances, dishes, pots and pans, and lamps.
About Isabel Bloom
Isabel Bloom, LLC is an Iowa company that uses locally-available materials made of concrete and river stone to create unique sculpture figurines. Each sculpture in the company’s extensive collection is handcrafted by skillful artisans under the direction of designer Donna Young. Donna worked side by side with the company’s talented founder, Isabel Bloom, for over ten years, and now continues to carry on Isabel’s iconic style after her passing in 2001. Isabel Bloom has store locations in Davenport, LeClaire, West Des Moines and Moline.
About the FreeStore
Founded in 2001, the FreeStore provides household items and furniture free of charge to women served by Children & Families of Iowa’s Domestic Violence Services who are starting their lives over, free from violence. When someone flees an abusive relationship, she, and her children, often have nothing more than the clothes they were wearing. Items are also provided to needy families from other social agencies for a nominal fee. The FreeStore is run by volunteers with no paid staff.
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Events at Valley West Mall Help Survivors of Domestic Violence
