What Does Community Look Like?
Community: a group of people living together in one place,
especially one practicing common ownership
Bay Area Women’s Center: launched by the vision of a few women in our Bay City community who were disturbed that victims of violence had nowhere to turn for help. Now 45 years later, thousands of domestic violence and sexual assault victims – adults and children – have received emergency shelter and long-term, caring support. This is the impact of true community! This is the impact of people like you who take ownership!
Though only a 32-bed shelter, very often there are upwards of 45 people housed in the facility any given night as staff arranges cribs and Pack-N-Plays for little ones to be close by their parent. Regardless of capacity, when someone is afraid for their life or their children’s lives, BAWC will collaborate within the network of community resources and regional agencies to find immediate shelter. Always.
Jeremy Rick, Executive Director at BAWC, shared with us: a few years back, a woman called saying “I’m in my vehicle. I have several kids under the age of ten. I need somewhere to go, or we’re going to sleep in the car tonight.” Though already bursting at the seams, we turned our S.A.N.E. waiting room into a makeshift campsite using blow-up mattresses, couches, and cushions… and kept them safe and warm.
“In a very real way, we save lives.” – Jeremy Rick
When someone experiences trauma and victimization, several other very serious issues can often be involved that range from undiagnosed mental illness to unmitigated substance abuse. Addressing these “layers” first is foundational for the victim to then be able to effectively deal with the trauma they experienced. Trauma victims desperately need “wrap-around” services from the moment the attack was experienced until they’re prepared to be independent – some for the very first time. BAWC networks with community systems such as Sacred Heart who provides client assessments that ensure each gets the exact substance abuse and mental health services they may need.
Victimized as young children, there are women and men from our Bay City community – now in their 40s, 50s, 60s – that are only beginning to acknowledge and heal their childhood trauma. Long-term counseling is available – even for non-residential survivors – whether the trauma occurred two weeks ago or 20 years ago. BAWC is committed to the individual’s whole healing!
With profound compassion, Jeremy concluded: This is very personal to me! Making sure we provide the highest quality services to the individuals who seek our help is paramount and influences every aspect of our operation. How can we do it better? How can we achieve excellence? How can we have a more sustainable and impactful experience for our survivors?
Haertel Heating & Cooling: Taking Our Place in Community
Jeremy then related this story: Last year, we had some leaking on the roof along with a few other issues. In time we realized that the solution we pursued to fix the leak ended up being a costly mistake. Without the repair, we couldn’t use our heating systems. That’s when Charles Haertel and Haertel Heating & Cooling stepped up. After inspecting our roof mess, Chuck graciously said “I don’t even know how to quote this job for you. But we’re going to move forward and I’m going to pick up the tab.” That meant so much to me, not only that he had the integrity to say “I don’t know”, but that he was so interested in helping us and his community without even knowing how much it was going to cost him! THIS is community! Thank you, Haertel Heating & Cooling!
Are You A Victim of Domestic Violence or Sexual Abuse?
If YOU are going through a difficult time or know someone who could use the assistance of Bay Area Women’s Center, please know you’re always welcome! Hotline: 800-834-2098 (or 989-686-4551)
to create a comprehensive community response to domestic violence and sexual assault through emergency shelter and counseling services, advocacy, and violence prevention education.
Other Ways You Can Become “Community”
- Volunteer at Bay Area Women’s Center
- Provide items from their current needs list