AWARE, Inc., like many businesses both locally and around the world, is taking safety precautions to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. We are receiving daily guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence on how to respond with minimal disruption to crisis services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The agency immediately put in place strict practices for cleaning and disinfecting the emergency shelter, all workspaces and any facilities visited by survivors. We are also taking steps to practice social distancing wherever possible.

We intend to continue critical services by providing emergency shelter, crisis and medical advocacy, legal advocacy, counseling services, and the essential services available through the Jackson County Family Visitation Center.

We have decided to temporarily suspend the following non-crisis services until further notice:

• Support groups
• Speaking engagements
• Collaborative meetings
• Kids’ Club
• Acceptance of all in-kind donations

We encourage donations of goods or consumables through Amazon Smile to have packages shipped directly to us. Needed items on Amazon are updated regularly. You are also welcome to make a monetary donation through our website by clicking here. https://www.awareshelter.org/make-a-donation/

AWARE, Inc. will continue to monitor events and provide updates on our website and social media outlets as changes occur to services or programming. We thank all of you for your continued support as we join the community in minimizing the impact of this current pandemic.

Resources for survivors:

• Local crisis line (517) 783-2861 (available 24/7)
• Statewide hotline for victims of sexual assault 1 (855) – VOICES4
• National Domestic Violence Hotline 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
• RAINN/National Sexual Assault Hotline 1 (800) 656-HOPE (4673)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1(800) 273-8255

Sincerely,
Angelita Velasco Gunn, AWARE, Inc. Executive Director