Donors needed to renovate domestic abuse housing

NEWTON—Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. (DASI) is asking for community support and participation for their “Step-by-Step” transitional living program. The group has raised over $800,000 in state grants and private contributions to purchase and renovate a six-apartment building in Newton to be utilized as transitional housing for victims of domestic violence and their children. Families will be able to live in the apartments from six to eighteen months as they rebuild their lives, and move toward safety, security and independence. Now, Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. needs help to furnish and make the apartments “family-ready.” Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. associate director Dianna Morrison said, “By adopting a room or undertaking a project, clubs, civic organizations, businesses and members of our community can help make a real difference in the lives of families who have lived with violence and abuse.” Community groups or individuals are encouraged to “adopt’” one of ten bedrooms, six living rooms, six bathrooms, six kitchens, or the children’s play yard. Rooms will already be renovated and painted, and major furnishings are being purchased or donated. The following types of items are needed: For the bedrooms—bed linens, comforters, window treatments, blankets, area rugs, night stands and dressers. For the living rooms—coffee and end tables, bookcases, lamps, area rugs, window treatments, chairs, televisions, and DVD players. For the kitchens—dishes, flatware, glassware, cookware, toasters, small appliances, mixing bowls, trashcans, dishtowels and potholders. For the bathrooms—towels, bathmats, shower curtains, and medicine cabinets. Cleaning supplies such as vacuums, dustbusters, mops, brooms, pails, dustpans, scrub brushes and dustpans are also needed. And for the children’s play yard—outdoor toys, playground equipment and fencing. Many donations have already been pledged. Jim Miller of Miller Distributing will supply six refrigerators and six stoves. Adam Guerra of Moen has pledged six kitchen sinks, six bathroom sinks, as well as faucets and towel racks. Joseph Demussi of Direct Cabinets has offered kitchen and bathroom cabinets and counter tops. Dumpsters for the renovation were donated by Grinnell Haulers Inc., and Blue Diamond. Nicholas Pacich of Sunrise Paving and Landscape Design provided labor for renovation and landscaping. Gardens of the World will donate bushes and shrubs, and Jeff Sisco of Sisco Kid Landscaping is donating lawn service. Al and Donnie Bosma of Service Master have offered to clean the apartments before the families arrive. Financial support has been provided by Frank Allocca of Intercar, Inc. and Sussex Honda, Linda and Rhea Fountain of Vanden, Heuvel and Fountain, and Debora and David Meltz, According to Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. executive director Jamie Bernard, “Many victims of domestic violence must flee from their homes because it simply becomes too dangerous to stay. After a respite at our emergency shelter, or perhaps at a friend or relative’s home, all too often they have no choice but to return to the abuser due to a lack of affordable housing alternatives in this community. Step-by-Step will provide an opportunity for families to stabilize and work toward independence. A wide array of support services will be available through Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. and other local organizations to help families accomplish their personal, financial and permanent housing goals. We are hoping a true partnership with the Sussex County community will take us through completion and help make this house a real home.” For more information on how you can help, contact the Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. Community Outreach Center at 579-2386.