(Betsy): Last night, Scott and I attended a donor's banquet for Fresh Start, the organization where Scott is a candidate to be a board member (He should find out if he gets to serve at the beginning of November when the other board members 'vote'). The banquet was held at Laurel Hall, a beautiful mansion in the Fall Creek area of Indianapolis.
This organization is so incredible. I learned so much about domestic violence and was blown away by the frequency of abuse that occurs in Indianapolis alone. Some 30,000 families are affected by domestic abuse just in Marion County. Not only are thousands of women physically tormented, but they are also mentally and intellectually attacked. Fresh Start is for women who are serious about leaving their abusers for good. Oftentimes,we learned last night, those being abused won't leave (or will leave and go back) their abusers because they are fearful, without money, and feel incompetent. Fresh Start offers counseling (financial, character building, etc.) and provides resources (such as furniture, housing, employment opportunities) for these battered women.
One woman, Charlene, shared her testimony with the donors, and brought Scott and I (and the rest of the audience) to tears. This woman had been in an abusive relationship for over 39 years before deciding to leave her marriage. She had lived on a farm in Southern Indiana, where she and her husband raised cattle. As she told us her story in her amazing Southern-bell accent, I was floored by all she had endured. Her 'job' (what her husband forced her to do) was physically demanding; she 'threw' one-hundred pound bails of hay every morning, delivered baby calfs, and milked cattle on a daily basis. She also raised three children and worked in a factory.
Despite all of her hard work, she had no money. Her husband, a 6ft 3in, 275lb man, used her income to pay bills and buy food and clothes. Meanwhile, he stashed his cash in a separate account. Not only did he control her finances, but he also controlled her social life, family life, and private life. She wasn't 'allowed' to do much of anything; rather, she was required to serve him when he demanded.
One night, after coming home trashed from the bars, Charlene's husband woke her up from a deep sleep. She had to wake up at 4:30a to begin her daily tasks, but that did not matter to this cruel, disgusting man. He violently woke her up, demanding that she get him a glass of milk. When she responded that he was a 'big boy' and could get it himself, he grabbed her by the hair and dragged her into the kitchen, insisting she do what he told her to.
Unfortunately, this story was only the beginning. Charlene had been raped numerous times and was constantly verbally assaulted by this creature she lived with. After coming home a little late one night after a wedding reception with friends, Charlene was kicked in the throat by her husband, who, at the time, was wearing his huge farming boots. She couldn't swallow for a month...
Despite her unfortunate circumstances, she was 'tickled to pieces' to let everyone know that she just signed papers for a new home. Fresh Start gave her the opportunity for a fresh start. She was provided legal assistance and left her husband after "39 years, 11 months, and 17 days." Her story, her faith, is so inspiring, and I am so humbled by her tale.
Scott and I want to volunteer--both time and money--to a great cause, consistently and frequently (30 List, anyone?). As we learn more and more about Fresh Start, we become more and more passionate. I hope that we can continue to build a relationship with this organization (specifically, through Scott's contributions if elected as a board member). We will keep you posted!
On a much lighter note, I discovered the most amazing wine ever while at the banquet (the organization brought in a gentleman giving free wine samples)--Moscato d'Asti. If you love sweeter wines, this is definitely worth trying. I'm trying to learn more about wine so I can roll with Scott and his fam :) If any one knows of any good books, let me know!
Have a beautiful weekend!!!!
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