What is the Holiday Project?
JBWS' Holiday Project provides comprehensive support to people experiencing domestic violence throughout the holiday season. We host a children's Halloween party in October, a Thanksgiving distribution in November, and several festive programs in December. Our Holiday Boutique and Adopt-A-Family program alone serves over 650 people impacted by domestic violence.
Thanksgiving Project
JBWS' Thanksgiving Project acknowledges that the holidays might look different for families impacted by domestic violence. In an attempt to restore some sense of normalcy for clients, JBWS distributes everything necessary for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. This includes fresh produce, non-perishable items, pies, and a choice of ham, pork shoulder, turkey, or a vegetarian option to help clients celebrate the holiday with foods representative of their culture.
Thank you to our numerous community volunteers who made the 2023 Thanksgiving Project a success including: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, for helping us prepare for our Thanksgiving Project distribution, Dartcor Food Services for making Thanksgiving meals for our residential clients, as well as Interfaith Food Pantry, individual donors, and groups who all made this project possible!
Holiday Boutique
Far too often, people impacted by domestic violence have experienced financial abuse in their relationship. They may have been forbidden to work, harassed at their place of employment, forbidden from advancing their career, or have had their abusive partner controlling their finances. This can make the holidays particularly difficult for families impacted by domestic violence because they may not have the funds necessary to purchase presents.
JBWS’ Holiday Boutique removes some of this financial hardship by enabling clients to get presents entirely free of charge. Upon entering the boutique, each client is encouraged to take numerous gifts for each of their children and themselves. Some of the possible options for presents include: educational games, home decor, sports equipment, clothing, jewelry, stuffed animals, cologne, puzzles, dolls, building blocks, self-care items, electronics, make up, and books for all ages.
Adopt-A-Family
JBWS’ Adopt-A-Family program allows members of our community to shop for all our client’s needs this holiday season. From cookware items and bedding sets to bicycles and video games, JBWS’ Adopt-A-Family program ensures that our clients have everything they need for a peaceful holiday season.
In the words of a former client, “Christmas morning was full of excitement. The shelter family gathered to open presents. Santa had paid a surprise visit. The sounds of laughter were everywhere as children showed off their new toys and sported new clothes. The holiday spirit shone on my home. There would be peace on this day.”
By The Numbers
JBWS’ Holiday Project served more clients than ever before in 2023! During November, JBWS was able to provide Thanksgiving assistance to 179 non-residential families and 66 residential clients received Thanksgiving meals just before Thanksgiving Day.
Our Adopt-A-Family program benefited 247 clients this year, up from 198 in 2022, while our Holiday Boutique supported 655 clients, up from 559 in 2022. We also provided over $24,500 in gift cards to clients throughout the Holiday Project.
The extensive support provided through the Holiday Project would not be possible without the 930 service hours provided by more than 130 volunteers, the 39 staff that worked on the Holiday Project, and 85 donors that supported both the Holiday Boutique and Adopt-A-Family program.
Thank You to Our Supporters!