Women who have just escaped physical, emotional and mental abuse need to know that they are safe.
When residents come to the Cocoon, a women’s shelter in Bowling Green, they will have this feeling of safety with an instant police alarm and other devices that will add to the building’s security.
But not only the mechanics provide a feeling of security – it’s important that these women also receive support from people who understand what they are going through.
In order to provide them with the best assistance for their needs, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) hosted a training session for potential volunteers who want to be involved with the newly founded Cocoon Saturday.
The funding for the workshop was possible through a $1,315 grant provided by the Medical University of Ohio at Toledo AHEC (Area Health Education Center) Program, the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Prevention Program, the Ohio Department of Health and the Bureau of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction.
Forty individuals spent the day at the Mileti Alumni Center to get informed about Cocoon, the different kinds of abuse many women experience and to learn more about the victims.
“You have to be willing to help,” said Linda Dobb, member of the AAUW and Cocoon, and organizer of the training. “There is a variety of ways to help. We need people who coordinate donations and fundraising, or who help with the gardening and the cleaning of the shelter.”
Michelle Clossick, executive director of the Cocoon, hopes to find people that are interested in after hour volunteering.
“We are asking people to screen incoming calls in the evenings to see if the women can come to the shelter. Then they also need help to move in, often in the middle of the night,” she said.
But only a small number of the volunteers will actually be in contact with the residents, according to Clossick.
“For this kind of work people have to go through 40 hours of training and their fingerprints will be taken,” she said. “It’s a big responsibility. You folks are my heroes right now, and we’re asking for a lot.”
Confidentiality is a key criteria for volunteers who want to work with the residents.
“It’s hard to work with people in crises, and we want these persons to be trained,” said Deidra Bennett, associate director of the Cocoon.
She and the other staff members will decide who of the volunteers will become after hour advocates.
Besides safety, the staff of the Cocoon puts big emphasis on their empowerment philosophy.
“Women can get the options that are available,” said Clossick.
Some women don’t stay the maximum 30 days in the shelter, and they often return to their abusers.
“But in one week she took steps for her safety, and next time it happens she knows who to call. To leave for good isn’t always the only solution,” Clossick said.
To give the audience an overview of the shelter and the domestic violence situation in Bowling Green, Mary Krueger, president of the Cocoon, told the audience about the history of the shelter and Deputy Mary Ann Robinson reported facts and figures of Wood County.
Since its opening in this June 16 women have lived in the shelter.
Chelsea Lambdin, senior, was an intern at the Cocoon over the summer and wants to work as an after hour advocate.
“Cocoon empowers women to get them back on their feet, and to make their own choices, instead of intimidating them or make them feel responsible,” she said.
Although the workshop was titled “Women Helping Women” two men were among the volunteers.
“I don’t feel awkward at all. I’m here like everyone else for a good cause,” said Gary Washington, sophomore in hospitality management and women’s studies.
“I just want to lend a helping hand and show that not all men are that bad,” he said.