Give Thanks and Give Back- Harbor House

Five years ago, for a high school service project, a group of friends and I volunteered at the Harbor House to play with the children and give them something new to look forward to. I didn't realize it would turn out to be so impactful, but when a boy no older than 5 years of age was sound asleep in my arms, a complete stranger, who he had known only a few hours, I knew there was something about these children and this organization that was extremely special. Now, five years later as I return from my first semester at college, I come back with the intention of improving the community that helped me develop into the person I am today- starting with the place that best taught  me the lesson of humbleness and gratitude, Harbor House.

This pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but few organizations have been hit quite as hard as those who provide refuge to those who need it most. The Harbor House aims to safely shelter women and children who live in abusive households, and because of COVID-19, have been forced to limit occupancy to a fraction of what they are typically able to accept. 

Last year, 30,000 domestic violence cases were reported in Wisconsin alone, this is taking into consideration the fact that only about 50% of all domestic violence cases are ever called in. For the first time since 2015, cases of child abuse and neglect have risen nationwide. It is estimated that at least 3 million children across the nation suffer from abuse and neglect, and over 60,000 of those children residing in Wisconsin alone.

With this stressors of the pandemic, these numbers are rising every single day, and yet because of the current climate, there are less resources providing help than ever before. Join me in trying to help thousands of children experience Christmas as normally as possible, and together we can all enjoy the holiday season a little more!