One in four women, and one in seven men, has experienced domestic violence in her or his lifetime.
Strand Strong is on a mission to end domestic violence in SLO County. You may recognize them by their previous name – The Women’s Shelter of San Luis Obispo County – and as the winner of Verdin’s 2017 24-Hour Give!
We held the 24-Hour Give on November 9-10 to complete this organization’s rebrand, and in doing so, were tremendously inspired by the heart, passion and impact of Stand Strong. They are moving toward their goal to end domestic violence by providing crisis intervention, an emergency shelter, transitional housing, advocacy services, legal services, a Latinx program, and counseling for both adults and children, as well as preventative education on healthy relationships and the signs of abuse.
Stand Strong began when two women living in Morro Bay opened up their home to victims of domestic violence. Now, almost 40 years later, Stand Strong has continuously evolved their programs and services. They are committed to recognizing and responding to our community’s need for comprehensive multicultural domestic violence and child abuse services.
Stand Strong offers a myriad of programs that respond to survivors of domestic violence and child abuse and support the local community, for which this issue is very real. In the past year, 1700 people in SLO County reached out for relief from domestic violence – and that number doesn’t include the cases in which the violence went unnoticed and unreported.
Although domestic violence is a traditionally difficult topic to discuss, Stand Strong brings to light this prevalent issue within our community, stepping in as leaders in a vital community conversation.
Stand Strong calls on all community members to join the conversation and take away the power of domestic violence. Their 24/7 Crisis & Information Line is not only available to those in an urgent situation, but to those seeking guidance in supporting a family member or friend or just to get general information. Additionally, they are able to provide valuable referrals to other resources and organizations within our community.
Stand Strong collaborates with other local organizations to make their mission a true community effort, and they rely on the support of local volunteers and donors. Much of their success is attributed to the individuals that contribute their time and resources however they can.
If you would like to join the movement, there are many opportunities. Stand Strong offers a program to become certified as a Domestic Violence Peer Counselor, along with other ways to get involved as a volunteer. Additionally, cash or in-kind donations are always appreciated and go directly toward making Stand Strong’s programs possible.
We are grateful to partner with such a passionate and impactful organization within our community. The 24-Hour Give is over, but Verdin will stay involved in the movement to end domestic violence, and we invite you to join us and Stand Strong.