Dear Friends and Partners of the BWF Foundation:

Just as a crackling fire in the hearth warms the body, the age-old traditions of Christmas warm the heart. The holidays are a time of cheer, of giving, and goodwill. Often, as we celebrate with our friends and family and supply our own children with their hearts’ desires, it is so easy to forget there are other children out there who have similar desires. But many of them will not receive that requested toy or game or the little extra something that can make them feel special. Our own mothers struggle in trying to give their children a safe place to live, a new start in a life free from violence and pain, and often because of their wise decisions they must separate themselves from their pasts and start fresh. Most of our moms have no money to spend for nice clothes, games or toys. Imagine the gleam in a little boy’s eyes as he opens a gift his mother couldn’t afford and pulls out the building set he’s dreamed of. Or a little girl’s smile as she grabs her new doll that she asked for and holds it close to her heart. Then imagine the children who have no gifts. This is where The BWF steps in. Your holiday giving has covered every need. But to a child,during the holidays can help express that they are indeed loved and matter in this world, that someone out there cares. Your gifts of love and support have made a huge difference in their lives.

Thanks to the support from the local community, our churches, individuals, and business partners, over 3800 BWF angels have been adopted, during the past 12 years. Wow what a difference you have made.

Becasuse of our local supporters we are able to increase what we do to help our families start over. Each year the BWF reaches over 2500 women and children with love and support. We now offer over 17 areas of services, including Counseling, Computer Classes and ESL Classes in our new Willman Center each week.

We also offer food, clothing furniture, medical, dental care, vision care, cars and car repairs, gas vouchers. Gas vouchers are a big with the BWF as the gas prices continue to soar. A $20.00 gas card from Wal-Mart or Racetrack can get a mom to Friday, in most cases.

We are especially proud that in 2008 the BWF (with your help) was able to send over 51 children to camp this summer. This is more than we ever dreamed possible. We also have 20 moms and children in college each year. We try to fill in the gap where other agencies may not have funding. Our goal is to never turn anyone away due to lack of funds. And we still are giving a 5-8 cars away each year. Thank you for those cars, they mean so much to our moms.

We are grateful for you love and support. You make our work possible. Each and every day the BWF is proud to see positive changes in 95 percent of our families. They wake up each new day not in fear but in hopes of what the new days might bring.

God bless you for loving us and our mothers and children!
Sincerely,

Brenda and Vern Jackson
Directors
Battered Women's Foundation
www.bwf1.com
866-485-2118