October 27th and 28th, the Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) is teaming up with all HyVee’s in Johnson County to support victims/survivors. DVIP will provide shoppers with a list of items and ask for their generous donations to be dropped off with a DVIP volunteer when they have completed their shopping.

Shop for Shelter is an amazing way for the community to show their support of victims/survivors and provide some basic needs. Requested items range from toothpaste and deodorant to diapers and food. If you use it in your house, we use it in ours! The items donated on October 27th and 28th will provide assistance for nine months!

Victims often walk into our shelter or meet with our outreach advocates without basic necessities. In times of crisis, their main focus is evacuating a dangerous situation. This past year DVIP has supported and provided needed resources to 1,899 individuals. One such client was Eloise. Eloise and her two children fled their home after her abuser had left for work. When they arrived at shelter, Eloise shared with our advocates that she was able to pack minimal items for her two children, 5 and 7-year-old boys, she had their favorite stuffed animals, and a couple of pairs of clothes but nothing additional, no food or household items, and only $50 in her pocket as her abuser had meticulously managed all of their finances. Eloise’s advocate was able to reassure her that what she and her children needed would be provided by DVIP at no cost. The cold medicine for her 7-year-old, the winter coat for her 5-year-old, and everything in between. We are only able to provide these items for families because of the generous support of our community.

The items that we receive from our Shop for Shelter drive provide basic needs for all of our clients within Johnson County every day. Please join us in showing you support victims/survivors by stopping by any area Hy-Vee on October 27th from 3 pm to 7 pm or on October 28th from 7:30 am to 11:30 am.

The Domestic Violence Intervention Program provides innovative, positive, and healing resources to victims/survivors of domestic violence. Safety, dignity, and respect are at the heart of all that we do as we provide resources and support to our clients within our 8 county service region in Southeastern Iowa.