Genesis and Ozarks Food Harvest Join Forces Against Hunger and Domestic Abuse
Like hunger, domestic abuse can affect anyone. Take it from Juliana Billington, program manager at Genesis: A Place of New Beginnings, who shares, “Domestic violence and trafficking have no prejudice. There’s not just one category our clients fall in because abuse affects all kinds of people.” No matter the story, Genesis offers free and confidential services to survivors of domestic, sexual and trafficking violence and their children. A partnership with Ozarks Food Harvest ensures survivors have the food and support they need for a fresh start.
Genesis first started in a residential home in Waynesville, Missouri. Originally named the Pulaski County Crisis Center, the shelter was founded in 1976 by a group of concerned volunteers who saw the need for a safe place for women and children escaping domestic violence in their community. Since these humble beginnings, the shelter has been renamed and taken under the umbrella of Good Samaritan Resource Center, a charity that provides various emergency services for neighbors in need. Now, Genesis serves roughly 30 to 50 clients monthly from a 9,600-square-foot facility located next door to the resource center.
Being located next to the Good Samaritan Resource Center has allowed Genesis to provide more immediate and comprehensive services than shelter alone. When women and children come to Genesis, they’re typically going through times of crisis, and Juliana notes that sometimes they don’t even have shoes. Volunteers and advocates can take them just next door to “shop” for clothes and food at the resource center, and advocates at the pantry refer people to Genesis when they recognize signs of abuse.
“Ozarks Food Harvest has been huge for us here at the shelter, too,” says Juliana. “If a family came in right now, I know I could get them all the food they need. For some clients, I could grab them food to fill their first apartment on their own. At the shelter, we can feed the residents and accommodate religious preferences and food allergies with food from Ozarks Food Harvest. It’s been amazing.”
A partnership with Ozarks Food Harvest is especially important now as rising prices are affecting victims of domestic abuse even more. When households face financial stress, cases of financial abuse are exacerbated as abusive partners withhold funds. It becomes harder for people to leave dangerous situations when there’s a lack of transportation and affordable housing. Food is an important piece of support that Ozarks Food Harvest is proud to provide.
“Every person in domestic violence or trafficking situations deserves to feel safe,” says Juliana. “Genesis has helped men and women get out of situations they normally wouldn’t if we weren’t here, so I hope our future is as amazing as it is right now and we’re able to continue providing these resources.”
Genesis: A Place of New Beginnings offers services to assist survivors through their entire journey. Anyone experiencing domestic abuse or trafficking can contact Genesis 24/7 for services like shelter, case management, legal and child advocacy, therapy and support groups, emergency resources and more. Visit goodsam-genesis.org/our-services to learn more.