New Years Message
New Year’s Message from our
Executive Director
Karen McElhaney
As I reflect on this last year, I know that it was filled with loss and despair for many and challenges we could have never predicted when 2020 began. Despite the many challenges we navigated in 2020, C.A.R.E. finishes the year with appreciation for ALL THE front line hospital workers, law enforcement, advocates, survivors, coalitions, local programs, service providers, and countless community members like you who came together to support each other in the face of the intersecting crises of the pandemic, economic insecurity, and ongoing racial injustice.
Our work and the collective action of us all this year is a reminder that creating a safe world for everyone requires all of us to work together because we all play a role in creating change. Though we faced new challenges this year with COVID-19,
C.A.R.E. remained open.
In fact, the challenges of 2020 made it clear just how much
C.A.R.E.’s work matters.
Drawing on over 30 years of experience working to transform the lives of survivors and victims, C.A.R.E. is making a difference during this time of upheaval and crisis. We fulfill our mission through innovative programs and community collaborations, answering the needs of victims and survivors.
C.A.R.E.’s leadership and staff are leaning into our history as we continue this fight across every front, from efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our shelter to working with law enforcement and the district attorneys’ offices to address the harms of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our board of directors have developed a new strategic plan which aims to fill critical gaps in the community’s response to domestic and sexual violence; strengthen and deepen our impact as an organization that has experienced tremendous growth in recent years; enhance our programs’ accessibility to varied vulnerable populations; and invest in essential infrastructure.
Some of our goals include:
- Distribute hotline cards throughout our community to raise awareness
- Lead in Social change- to educate the public to speak out against violence and know the facts to counter misconceptions, stigma & myths
- Increase staff and volunteer inclusion to maximize the impact and cultural expertise and promote open communication and shared leadership
Importantly we continue to strengthen infrastructure so as to ensure viable high quality services and promote strategic growth.
With your support, we will always be there to offer hope! While I AM SO PROUD OF OUR TEAMS’ WORK –We couldn’t have done it without you!
Because of you, more families will be able to sit around their kitchen table and have a safe place to sleep. Thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do to help those in our community who have been impacted by domestic and sexual violence.
Happy New Year from our family to yours!
Looking for a new hobby? Come volunteer with C.A.R.E. today! We are in need of volunteers in the following areas:
Volunteer Opportunities
- Advocate-answering phones in our 24 Hour call center/ hospital response (requires training)
- ReUse stores
- Grocery Shopping
- Outreach events
Visit our website for more information
Upcoming Events
Visit our vendor tent
10th Annual Charlotte Harbor Chili, Beer, & Blues Fest
SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021 AT 11 AM EST – 6 PM EST
City Marketplace, 115 Tamiami Trl, Punta Gorda, FL 33950-3632
A fun day full of great live music, great chili, and over 50 craft beers to experience at the 10th Annual Chili, Beer, & Blues Fest
Circle of Compassion Legacy Society
Become a Champion
A friend of C.A.R.E. who commits to leaving a gift to C.A.R.E. in their will or estate plan, and lets us know of the plan becomes a Champion in the Circle of Compassion Legacy Society. This designation of honor was created to recognize anyone who has decided to participate in securing the financial future of our mission to assist victims and survivors of violent crimes. Learn More
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2020 Holiday Season
C.A.R.E. was able to make Christmas special for survivor families
21+
Children able to visit with Santa
10
Generous donations from our Community Partners
15+
Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Did you know that Florida is a hot spot for Human Trafficking?
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