The first local nonprofit we are shining a spotlight on this November is Ruth’s Cottage and The Patticake House. As moms and caregivers, none of want to think of another mom, child, and/or family suffering, and RCPCH does so much to alleviate suffering here in our community for families. If you’re not familiar with this organization, they are a three-part nonprofit offering 1) services for domestic violence victims and survivors 2) services for sexual assault victims and 3) services for victims of child abuse. They are the only state-certified triple program in South Georgia and one of only three such programs in the entire state.
RCPCH helps victims of domestic violence in a few different ways. The first one, which is the one most people think of, is through offering an emergency shelter for those fleeing an abusive relationship. Their shelter has 25 beds for victims and their children, with ADA accessible apartment options for those in need. The shelter is available to all victims of domestic violence, whether male or female, their children, and even their pets. Stays in the shelter vary by individual and their specific needs. Some victims may come and stay only a night or two, while others may stay in shelter for a month or more. In addition to the shelter, advocates at RCPCH can also work with domestic violence victims on safety planning, obtaining temporary protective orders, and more. You can learn about all the services they offer here. If you or someone you know are in an abusive relationship and are curious about how RCPCH can help you, you can always call their hotline at 229-388-1541 to talk about your specific situation.
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In addition to services for domestic violence victims, they also provide services for sexual assault victims. This can include emergency shelter, advocate support through medical examinations, and so many more services (or connection to those services). You can learn more about their sexual assault services here, and to access these services, call their hotline at 229-388-1541.
In addition to domestic violence and sexual assault services, Ruth’s Cottage and The Patticake House also has a Child’s Advocacy Center (The Patticake House arm of the organization), which serves to offer forensic interviews for victims of child abuse (sexual, physical, and emotional/psychological) or child witnesses to domestic violence, other violent crimes, and/or child abuse. They also serve the non-offending caregivers who accompany the child to the forensic interview, and they can offer other services like assistance with victims’ compensation benefits, referrals for mental health services, local resources, and more. In addition, they work diligently to offer child abuse prevention education and outreach within the community as well. To learn more about the children’s advocacy center’s work and services offered, you can find them here.
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Ruth’s Cottage and The Patticake House is always in need of monetary donations, volunteers, and they may also request specific items (like clothes, furniture, or other needed items) on their Facebook page periodically.
However, this Christmas season, they also have a special need with their Hope for Kids program. This program, formerly known as Suitcases for Kids, serves to offer Christmas to the children the organization has served throughout the year. Many of these children are victims of abuse themselves and/or have witnessed violent crimes like domestic violence and even homicide, and all have experienced trauma. Through the Hope for Kids Holiday Project, each child receives, at a minimum, a customized duffle bag, two changes of clothing, pajamas, undergarments, and at least two items off the child’s personalized wish list. Ruth’s Cottage and The Patticake House relies on the community’s help to “adopt” or sponsor these children during the Christmas season, either by shopping for the children based of their wish list or donating money for RCPCH staff to shop. By choosing to “adopt” a child, you can give hope this holiday season and bring a smile to a child that has suffered abuse by making their simple wishes come true this season. You can learn more about this program here. If you would like to shop yourself, you can call 229-382-4141 to get the child(ren)’s information. If you would like to donate money, you can do that here.
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The Thankful Thursday posts by Tifton Moms are special articles throughout the month of November intended to shine a light on local nonprofits in the Tifton area that we are especially thankful for, particularly for the work they do for families here in our community.
Tifton Moms is a resource dedicated to the moms and families of Tifton, Georgia and beyond to help them find the information they need about events in Tifton and Southwest Georgia, resources in Tifton and beyond, educational tips, and so much more. We are passionate about all things parenting and our community, and we want to connect you to relevant resources, local businesses, can’t-miss events, and each other! Find more helpful articles at https://tiftonmoms.com/blog/.
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