New Fund Launched to Support Domestic Violence Survivors
Domestic violence can be difficult to see from the outside, but its effects on families in our community are real and lasting. In response to a recent rise in domestic violence incidents locally, the New Canaan Abuse Prevention Partnership, in collaboration with the New Canaan Community Foundation and local service partners, have announced a new fund to help New Canaan survivors address urgent, practical needs as they work toward safety, stability, and independence.
"Domestic violence is often hidden, but its impact is real and far-reaching," said Dede Bartlett, Co-Chair of the New Canaan Abuse Prevention Partnership. "This fund gives our community a direct and practical way to help survivors regain safety, stability, and dignity."
How the Fund Helps
The DV Survivor Support Fund, housed at the New Canaan Community Foundation, will accept contributions from individuals, families, businesses, civic organizations, and community groups who want to support survivors and families affected by domestic violence. Contributions can help cover essential needs such as:
Safe housing
Basic needs and emergency financial assistance
Childcare
Supportive services
"This new fund is similar to the Touch A Life Fund, which has a long track record of providing emergency financial assistance for New Canaan residents, but is tailored to respond to the specific needs of families experiencing violence," said Lauren Patterson, President and CEO of the New Canaan Community Foundation.
A Coordinated Community Response
The fund will be administered by the Foundation in partnership with trusted referral sources, including New Canaan Human Services and the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. Schools, faith communities, and other nonprofits can surface a need through these referral channels.
"We tap a variety of supports for families needing financial assistance, but have found that the needs of survivors are often more complex," said Jackie D'Louhy, New Canaan Youth & Family Services Coordinator and Co-Chair of the New Canaan Abuse Prevention Partnership. "A designated source of funding for these families will ensure we can both sustain basic supports through Town funding, and boost support above and beyond at a most critical time."
All requests for assistance are handled confidentially and with care for the safety and privacy of survivors and their families.
How to Give
Community members can contribute online at bit.ly/DVsupportfund or through the New Canaan Community Foundation website. Checks may be made payable to New Canaan Community Foundation, with "DV Survivor Support Fund" noted in the memo line, and mailed to:
New Canaan Community Foundation 111 Cherry Street New Canaan, CT 06840
This fund is not an emergency response service. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911. Survivors seeking support may contact the Domestic Violence Crisis Center's 24-hour hotline at 203-588-9097, or the Connecticut statewide domestic violence hotline, Safe Connect, at 888-774-2900.