Group assists victims of domestic violence
BUTLER TWP — While many are focusing on packages this season, Ann Ireland of Butler Township, the founder and director of Caring Cases, is focusing on packing … period.
Caring Cases equips victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking with the personal supplies they need to start over.
“The inspiration behind the project was to show them God's love and how much he wants to take care of them,” said Ireland, who launched the project in the fall of 2011. For the last 18 months it has been part of the Grace Youth and Family Foundation outreach program.
“God pressed upon my heart to start a ministry for victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking by way of supplying a suitcase, backpack or diaper bag filled with necessities,” said Ireland.
She started researching shelters in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver and Butler counties. “I called two of the shelters to see if they would be interested and received a list of the items that are most crucial,” she said.
“They explained when they receive a call to gather items for a victim who is being moved to a safe house, they gather what they have on hand and put everything in a garbage bag. They also said that often victims leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs,” Ireland said.
Ireland spoke to another shelter and realized there was a need for this type of ministry, so a logo and name were created.
In 2013, she realized to make Caring Cases grow she would have to partner with someone with knowledge of nonprofits and to share the expense and liability insurance burden.
“Through prayer I was led to my friend and former Bible study leader. She told me about a ministry under the umbrella of Grace Youth and Family Foundation here in Butler,” she said.
After a meeting with Bill Halle, founder and CEO of the foundation, and a letter to the GYFF Board in May 2014, the match was made.
Halle knew the ministry would be a good fit.
“The shared Christian mission and heart, and the fact that Caring Cases is an outreach that expands on services to similar populations that we serve in other programs fits the direction we are moving with the establishment of a year-round family stability center,” said Halle.
“In 2015, I distributed suitcases, backpacks and diaper bags to the domestic shelters in Butler and Kittanning. They were given to domestic violence and sex trafficking victims, as well as homeless individuals,” Ireland explained. The suitcases are for adult males or females and the backpacks and diaper bags are for children.
Ireland's goal is to have five cases per shelter, which is a total of 30 cases per month.
“All of GYFF's programs operate out of the generosity of volunteers and donors, therefore monetary support is always needed. We also need volunteers to help spread the word and reach out to organizations in need of the resources Caring Cases can provide,” said Halle.
Donations for “Caring Cases” can be marked as such and delivered to Grace Youth and Family Foundation, 100 Center Ave.
All items for the cases must be new due to allergies and other personal issues of the recipients.
Ireland and Halle's hope is that during this season of giving, those in need of a fresh start will be remembered.
“My prayer is that these cases will give the victims who receive it a feeling of hope and love as well as a new beginning,” Ireland said.
All brand new itemsCaring cases, suitcases, backpacks, diaper bagsCaring Cases ContentsComb, toothbrush/paste, body wash, washcloth, towel, underwear, socks, nightgown/pajamas. Bible, pen and journal, activity books for kids, baby wash, diapers, baby wipesSponsor an entire Caring Case$53/suitcase, $30/diaper bag, $25/backpack
