On October 30, 2009 at six in the evening, the Women's Crisis & Family Outreach Center (WCFOC) will proudly host our Second Annual Future for Families Gala, at the Marriott Denver South. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening with silent and live auctions, dinner including fabulous desserts, and dancing to support a very important local cause. And, more importantly, they will hear a success story - one of courage, endurance, and hope - from a former client and domestic violence survivor. Guests will also get an exciting update about the construction of our new, emergency shelter, scheduled to open before the end of the year.

The Future for Families Gala will help the WCFOC raise the much needed funds to finish the construction, and be able to shelter, counsel, and provide the needed advocacy and support for families trying to heal from the trauma of domestic abuse and gain the tools necessary to achieve a life free from violence. "We are on 'the home stretch' says Jennifer Walker, Executive Director for the WCFOC. We have had a tremendous outpouring of support from government agencies, foundations, local businesses, and family trusts. We are now looking to the individuals of this community and region to stand together in this fight against domestic violence, and help us put the finishing touches on this new shelter - a desperately needed and safe home for victims and their children."

A woman is beaten by her partner every 12 seconds. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women, more than mugging, stranger rape, and car accidents combined. Further, 95% of boys and 72% of girls witnessing domestic violence will carry abuse into their adult relationships, either as victims or perpetrators.

The Front Range of Colorado is not immune to these statistics and scenarios; rather, domestic violence remains the most frequent violent crime. As the only agency providing services in Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties in Colorado, the WCFOC served over 15,000 people last year. We provided over 2400 nights of safe shelter, but sadly, had to turn away many families because we were full. With the opening of the new and larger facility, we hope to never have to tell a family "we have no room for you" again.

Please join us for this enjoyable and meaningful evening. Gala tickets are $75-$85, and reserved tables for ten are $1000. Please call 303-688-1094 to reserve your tickets, or for more information.

The Women's Crisis & FamilyOutreachCenter serves victims of domestic violence in Metro Denver and throughout Colorado. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call our 24-hour crisis line at 303-688-8484 or visit www.twcfoc.org for assistance.