×

Caring House gets 100-Plus Women donation

TARA TRUDGEON, LEFT, crime victim advocate/volunteer coordinator, and Jodie Garver, domestic violence service coordinator at The Caring House, look over plans for a supervised visitation center for children after they were awarded about $23,000 by the Dickinson County 100-Plus Women Who Care. (Theresa Proudfit/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Caring House will use a roughly $23,000 donation from 100-Plus Women Who Care of Dickinson County to open a supervised visitation and exchange center for children caught up in a domestic violence situation.

“We just want there to be a more comfortable, therapeutic environment where kids can be excited to see their parents again,” said Tara Trudgeon, Caring House victims of crime advocate/volunteer coordinator. “This would be a place where the kids could actually play with their parents and be together. They can make meals together, they can do the things they would do in a home setting.”

The 100-Plus Women chose the Caring House last week on what was its first opportunity to make its case for the funding.

Every three months, 100-Plus Women Who Care members come together to contribute $100 each — as individuals or groups of two to four — into one large donation pool. Three local area 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations nominated for consideration then are drawn at random to give presentations on their causes, with the assembled 100-Plus Women voting for their choice to receive the entire amount.

Trudgeon said she was surprised and honored the Caring House got the donation, given they were up against the U.P. Honor Flight and Imagination Factory Children’s Museum.

“Those were both such really good causes, so it was really humbling. I think it was remarkable because it’s such a strong group of empowered women and they are going to donate their money to our charity that works towards empowering families. I think it’s a perfect fit,” Trudgeon said.

Caring House offers support for survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking, along with child victims of severe physical abuse.

“When requested by a client, we advocate within the court systems, child and protective services, and local law enforcement. We are a part of multidisciplinary teams that meet monthly to discuss how we can better serve our community. During these meetings, and while working with clients, Caring House has seen a great need for a supervised visitation center and safe exchange location,” Trudgeon said.

Trudgeon explained there are times, especially during separations and divorce, where parents are not getting along, and a safe exchange place would ensure that children do not have to see their parents arguing or feel their tension. Also, parents who are in conflict don’t have to see each other.

Currently, places such as libraries, fast-food restaurants and other public areas are utilized for supervised visitation.

“We recognize that for safety purposes these supervised visits are necessary; however, we would like to provide a private place for children and their parents to spend time together and build a meaningful connection until they can be reunited. Children are often exchanged in parking lots and police stations and we would like to provide a more comfortable environment for the custody exchanges to take place,” she said.

Caring House does receive grant funding to maintain operation; however, with these grant funds come many restrictions as to what they can do for the families. Right now, they have not received authorization to use grant funds for a supervised visitation/safe exchange center. The donation from 101-Plus Women would allow them to cover these types of unfunded services.

“Caring House is continually looking for ways in which we can provide all the services needed by the clients we serve. We are so grateful for the support we have received to continue growing and enhancing the services provided for this community,” Trudgeon said.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, 100-Plus Women officials announced that will skip the February meeting, because “so many people are gone and the weather is usually bad,” said Kris Leonard. The February meeting this year was cancelled due to snow.

They will continue to meet in May, August and November.

For more information on 100-Plus Women, email dc100women@gmail.com. Membership forms also are available at each quarterly event at Pine Grove Country Club in Iron Mountain. All women are welcome to take part.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today