Branches Launches "Meals on a Mission"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2024

CONTACT:

Sara Blevins O’Toole                                                                                                                     

Director of Development                                                                                        

304.529.2382                                                                                                                      

Blevins@branchesdvs.org                                                                                      

[Huntington, WV] – Branches Domestic Violence Shelter is excited to announce the launch of a new meal donation program, Meals on a Mission, aimed at providing weekly covered dish meals for families residing in our local domestic violence shelter. This initiative will run from now through the holiday season and seeks the support of community members to help nourish and uplift those in need.

“One of the most gratifying and simple ways to increase a survivor's chance of permanently leaving an abusive situation is to help them maintain a sense of normalcy and warmth in their everyday life. Providing a covered dish meal literally takes one stressful thing off their plate and provides a warm, healing environment in our local emergency shelter,” says Sara Blevins O'Toole, Director of Development.

We invite individuals, groups, and organizations to volunteer by preparing and delivering a homemade meal that serves 22 people. This is an excellent opportunity for families or community groups to come together and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence.

How to Get Involved:

• Select a Week: Volunteers can choose a week from now through the holiday season.

• Prepare a Meal: Each dish should serve 22 people, and a list of ingredients is requested to manage dietary needs.

• Deliver the Meal: Meals can be dropped off at the shelter at a scheduled time.

Suggested Meal Ideas:

• Casseroles (e.g., lasagna, chicken and rice)

• Stews or soups

• Pasta dishes

Interested volunteers are encouraged to contact Branches Domestic Violence Shelter at blevins@branchesdvs.org or [304-529-2382] for more information and to sign up for available weeks. Alternatively, volunteers may use our Meal Train to reserve their date:  https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/ql6588

Together, we can help create a supportive environment that fosters healing and resilience for survivors of domestic violence. Your contribution can provide not just nourishment, but a sense of community and care.

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter was established as a non-profit agency in 1980.  Branches works to empower the increasing number of victims and their families to break the cycle of domestic violence in our area.  Aside from providing emergency shelter; Branches offers legal advocacy, counseling, housing advocacy and case management to ready our clients to become independent.  Currently Branches has two operational emergency shelters in Cabell & Putnam Counties and three outreach offices located in adjoining counties, Mason, Wayne, & Lincoln, to provide additional resources.   ALL of Branches’ services are free of charge.  Branches served over 2,000 victims in 2023.