Support survivors escaping domestic violence

At this time of year, it always starts to feel like Summer is never coming and we'll be stuck with this rainy, gray weather forever. But here at Raphael House, there are signs that warm weather must be on its way! We're hard at work in our shelter garden, removing the wintery covers we put over the beds and fruit trees, and getting new vegetable starts ready to plant. Every year, this feels like a time of preparation. Over spring break we get a little hint of summer in the shelter - full of kids playing and activities every day - just enough to remind us how the whole building comes alive when June rolls around. After another winter spent distributing warm clothes, umbrellas, hot chocolate, and blankets to families in need, we're ready to pull out the kiddie pools and sandals!

But, like everyone else in Portland, we'll have to wait a few months longer. In the meantime, we're serving women and children with a complete spectrum of trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy and self-sufficiency programming. And we're getting ready to celebrate Restaurants for Raphael House, our annual dining out event, where restaurants around Portland show their support for survivors by donating a percent of proceeds! We hope you'll join us for a meal out (or 2, or 3...who's counting?) on Wednesday, May 7th. Restaurants are already signing on to participate - stay up to date with the list of participating restaurants by checking our website.

Thank you for the part you've already played in the work to end violence, and please don't hesitate to get involved again! We're always in need of volunteers and donations of seasonal and household items. For the most up to date information on events and ways you can get involved, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Links:

• Restaurants for Raphael House Event Page