In a year that has been unlike any other, we have been continuously humbled, inspired, and honored by the support and contributions from our community. 

COVID 19 has impacted nearly every facet of all of our lives and has had a severe impact on the lives of individuals and families experiencing domestic abuse and violence.  It has increased isolation, risk, and levels of need, while simultaneously increasing the barriers to accessing needed services.  In fact, since April 1 of this year, 72% of the people we served reported increased safety concerns because of COVID 19 and social distancing. At the same time calls for social justice and equity have required us to reexamine and recommit to the ways we make our services accessible, welcoming, and liberating for everyone.

Thankfully, with your help, Caring Unlimited remained ready and able to respond.

In March, we adapted quickly and creatively to ensure that all of our services continued, uninterrupted, throughout the ongoing pandemic.  We added a confidential online chat/ text to our Helpline services, increasing the options available for survivors to communicate directly with an advocate whenever, and however, it is safe for them to do so.  24-7 Individualized safety planning never wavered and our weekly support groups went online.  We used hotels and one of our transitional housing apartments, along with our shelter, to offer safe emergency shelter to victims fleeing the danger of an abusive partner or family member while maintaining COVID safety precautions. We created live webinars and recorded trainings to reach diverse audiences with prevention and education.  And when the demand for our legal program doubled in June, we brought on more staff to meet the need for this critical service.  When families couldn’t find food, transportation, or meet other basic needs, we provided emergency funds and connected them to other community resources.

Read our previous posts about the ways we stayed connected and built community in our residential programs like our hallway ‘supply stations’ of essential household items, a weekly family newsletter, and a monthly themed family activity kit, and monthly deliveries of family-style meals. 

With staff’s creativity and dedication and your ongoing support, 97% of people served since April 1 have said that we were able to meet their needs without connecting face-to-face.

Thank you!

We are still in it. In the coming months we hope you will stay with us as we continue to find new ways to ensure the survivors have the safety and support they need.  Apply now to join our Helpline Volunteer training beginning online in January, participate in a reading and discussion group this November on the novel, The Round House with the Maine Humanities Council, participate in our 20th Annual Atlantic Plunge- online registration opens November 1, or make a financial gift to support families through the busy winter season.

Watch our Thank You Video Now