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We believe our mission matters. Our actions follow our belief. Lives are changed.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Studies show that 15.5 million children in the U.S.
witness domestic violence annually. By age 17, over one-third will have been exposed to domestic violence. The signs of a child's exposure are as varied as children’s personalities.

Things a TEENAGER might do if you try to talk to him about violence:
• ignore you or change the subject (“I’m hungry”)
• blame others for the violence
• say, “Don’t worry,” and try to cheer you up
• listen quietly or say, “Whatever”

Ways you can help TEENAGERS express what they’re thinking and feeling:
• Reach out and ask, in private, “what’s wrong?”
Use caring starters such as “You haven’t seemed yourself lately,” or “You seem kind of down" to encourage them to talk about their feelings and tell their concerns.
• Respond calmly to what is said. Don’t judge.

How you can help TEENAGERS feel safe and in control:
• Give straightforward explanations for things that may worry them.
• Find out what’s making them feel unsafe and help them make a safety plan.
• Support them to engage in comforting routines. Provide them with safe and fun physical activities to
release the tension; activities they do well or enjoy. These can bring a sense of hope.
• Don’t make commitments you can’t honor. Don’t say,
“You’ll be safe from now on.” Instead you might say, “Let’s
make a plan to keep you as safe as possible.”

Towels for Tears provides TEENAGERS and their families the personal items they need to start over after escaping the violence. The packages are age appropriate and sealed to convey the feeling of safety and trust they seek and need.

Join us in helping families find hope. Your tax deductible donations are greatly appreciated.

Reminder:

The Montgomery County Family Justice Center (FJC) remains open throughout the pandemic and continues to provide services for domestic violence situations. The FJC can be reached by telephone at 240-773-0444 or by email at safe@montgomerycountymd.gov. The Montgomery County Crisis Center is open 24/7 and can be reached at 240-777-4000.

Did You Know?

There were at least 670 family households experiencing homelessness in Maryland in January 2020. Another 630 families in Virginia and 836 families in D.C.*

Families experiencing homelessness are similar to other families, but without a home to live in. They have the same needs as you and I. That’s where non-profits like Towels for Tears steps in to help.

Towels for Tears was founded in 2017 for the purpose of loving and helping those who are hurting. We have been positively impacting the lives of those starting over from traumatic and life changing circumstances through the delivery of every day necessities. Bed linens, comforters, towels, shower/bath sets, and personal hygiene essentials are provided free of charge provide comfort and hope to families in their time of need.

YOU can help the hurting. Donate and support Towels for Tears as we continue to be love in action and bring comfort to the hurting.

* According to United States Interagency Council of Homelessness. https://www.usich.gov/homelessness-statistics/dc