I was going to be doing my service learning hours with YWLP, but I am now going to be volunteering for Animal Safehouse, which is an organization set up by Leandra Preston and cares for the animals of victims of domestic abuse. They also help reunite women and their pets post-shelter.
1. I have been e-mailing Abigail Malick, who is the service learning coordinator for Animal Safehouse. She sent me a list of events that are taking place in October of which I will probably take place in at least three of them. I have also e-mailed her my number so I can help if they need to transport any animals to a foster home.
2. My activism project relates to what we are discussing in class because it is an organization that is helping women make the transition from an abusive relationship. According to the Animal Safehouse website, 50% of women do not leave abusive situations for fear her pet will be injured or killed. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (www.ncadv.org), there were 113,123 reported cases of domestic violence and 180 domestic-violence related homicides in Florida in 2008. If women know that their loved ones including pets are being taken care of they can concentrate on making a better life for themselves without feeling overwhelmed. We were just learning about Women’s Bodies and Women’s Health in class and getting themselves out of an abusive situation is the best way for a woman to improve her mental and physical health.
3. In volunteering with this organization, I am getting the satisfaction that I have helped someone make a better life for themselves. As an animal lover it is comforting knowing that there is an organization that cares for the animals as well as the owners. They attend many different events in the community and educate people on domestic violence and the steps they can take to get help.
Works Cited:
Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa- Rey. Women's Lives Multicultural Perspective. 5th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. Print.
Good work here!
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