Safety Alert!

If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, call 911 or your local hotline or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233 voice), 1-800-787-3224 (tty). There is always a computer trail, but you can click ESCAPE to leave the site quickly.

SHELTER NEEDS

• Cash donations
• Used cell phones (do not have to function)
• Paper plates & napkins
• Baby wipes & diapers (Size 4)
• Thermometers (for children and adults)
• Teething rings & teething gel
• Twin sheets and blankets
• Children’s art supplies
• Infant cribs, mattresses, crib sheets and blankets
• Personal care products (full size)
• Cleaning supplies
• Shower totes (plastic tubs) & shower shoes (flip-flops)

In Her Shoes

In her shoes is an interactive presentation that fosters empathy with victims of domestic violence. Find out more

Silent Witnesses

The Silent Witnesses represent women and children who were murdered in acts of domestic violence in the Kansas City Metropolitan area. Each personal story is displayed on each witness silhouette. Find out more

Speaker's Bureau

Newhouse offers qualified speakers on the topic of domestic violence. Find out more

In Her Own Words

In January 1993 I was a resident at Newhouse. My two children and I stayed there for about three weeks. Today, I am approaching my third anniversary with Hallmark Cards, Inc., I am buying my own home, and I have a newer car which I secured the loan for myself. 

When I first entered your shelter, all my worldly possessions were packed into two black garbage bags. I had no home, no money, no job skills. I have come a long way.
More importantly, my children are happy, well-adjusted and very bright. My son is in first grade; my daughter is a fifth grader. Each child makes excellent grades in school. My daughter is in her third year of the gifted program; she plays violin and softball. My son is very artistic and enjoys writing stories and illustrating them. He is a very gentle and kind boy.

The purpose of this letter is to show that life can go on and will get better if we just try. It is not easy and it certainly is scary, but it can be done. Yes, I have made a great deal of progress BUT I did not do it alone. The help I received started at Newhouse and continued with my family and friends. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because there are a lot of people who are more than willing to extend their hand. Surprisingly, the world is not such a bad place!

Not too long ago, I had no hope left in my heart. Today, I have a future and my children have a future. We have peace of mind and security. You cannot put a price on that!

-Mary



I am a woman of multiple abusive relationships. It wasn't until this last one that I realized something was very wrong with my living arrangement. My sister witnessed enough and gave me a number to call for help.

Unsure of how the process worked, I called the domestic violence hotline. I have to tell you I was afraid of how I would be received--because most people think you're stupid for being in an abusive relationship. But not the staff at Newhouse. I felt safe just talking to the lady on the phone. She gave me instructions on how I had to get to the police station.

Then I came to Newhouse, glad to be here away from danger. The staff made me feel comfortable and safe. They did not judge me, but moreover, have given me so much support, emotionally and spiritually. Thanks to group and individual therapy sessions, for the first time in my life I am beginning to understand some things about myself. Also, I didn't have a job or clothes to even look for one. My case manager helped me get some clothes so I could interview for jobs--and, I recently became employed.

It was unfortunate circumstances that brought me here to Newhouse, but beyond those circumstances I have been given a new lease on life and definitely a second chance to be truly happy. Thank you so much for having the love of God in your hearts and especially the love you all have showed me. For that I am forever grateful.

-Alberta



I came to live at Newhouse in the summer with my two children, ages three and four years old. I was pregnant and didn’t have anywhere else safe to go. I felt lost and alone.

The staff made me feel comfortable with their kindness and generosity. I immediately received much needed counseling and guidance. Every day I was involved in activities designed to teach me new ways to live. The group sessions made me realize how similar my story was to so many others. It wasn’t long before I started to find hope and I began to regain my confidence.

It has been a long and difficult journey and I still struggle when facing obstacles. Newhouse continues to provide me with guidance and I am grateful. I am in school now and I am working toward self-sufficiency.

Thanks to Newhouse I have broken the chain of domestic violence in my life and the in the lives of my children.

Thank you.

-Nicole



I am from Sudan. I came to this country in 1995 and became a US Citizen in 2001. In my country, marriages are arranged by the family. My uncle arranged my marriage to a man who started abusing me only one month after our wedding in 2003. He would hit and kick me when we argued.

Many times, I called the police for help. When my family would intervene, my husband would say he was sorry and promise not to hit me again. But that would never happen, he always hit me again. My family wanted us to stay together because in my country people stay married no matter what. We had two children and I was pregnant with our third when he threatened to kill me.

One day when I was at a health clinic where I go with my children, I saw a poster for the Newhouse shelter for women and children. I took the number and kept it with me just in case I would need it. The next time my husband threatened to kill me and the children, I knew he was serious and we fled with only the clothes we had on and nothing more. I went to my sister’s house and then called Newhouse for help. But I had to go through this three more times before I was strong enough to finally leave.

Since I’ve been in shelter at Newhouse, I have gotten a Full Order of Protection against my husband and I have custody of my children. Now I am taking GED classes, English language classes, and I’m looking for housing for me and my children. Newhouse is providing me with mental health therapy, groups and child care. Luckily, my family here in the US supports my decision to get a divorce. Traditionally, it is unacceptable to get a divorce in Sudan. But now I know I don’t have to put up with abuse. Newhouse has changed my life. I am a much stronger person now.

-Sirah