Fire! Help Domestic Harmony Foundation Relocate!

Dear Supporters and Public at Large,

A destructive fire in the building that hosts Domestic Harmony Foundation (DHF) on February 12th, led to the complete shut-down of the space where our office was located on Long Island, NY.  Although, thankfully there are no casualties, the space allowed us an affordable one room office to provide cultural & linguistic-specific services as the only domestic violence organization for South Asian, Middle Eastern and Muslim communities in the area. 

It is unacceptable and horrific that we began another new year with a series of fatal incidents due to domestic violence!  If only ANKITA VERMA who was stabbed to death by her husband in Baltimore on 1/11/19, FATIMA JAWAD who was stabbed to death by her husband in Queens on 1/15/19, JENNIFER IRIGOYEN - 5 months pregnant, who was stabbed to death by her boyfriend in Queens on 2/3/19 and SHANTI NAKIREKANTI who was shot and killed by her husband in Texas on 2/19/19 all had support to break the silence and achieve safety before it was too late?!! 

It is critical that our free and confidential counseling & support services continue without interruption to ensure that survivors and their children are being connected to safety resources and their emotional and psychological needs are being met.  

DHF Testimonials:  

     "Domestic Harmony Foundation (DHF) means support, care and healing.  DHF makes me realize that I am not in this alone.  At DHF, I am able to connect and talk to women who are in a similar situation as me.  Some have overcome this insurmountable battle, some are still fighting, and some of us are still mustering up the courage to stop this vicious cycle of years of abuse.  I fall in the latter category.  After being married for more than twenty years and having endured this, it became a way of life for me.  I knew it was wrong but did not have enough courage and support to take the next step. 
     DHF has been instrumental in providing me support, validation and knowledge.  The examples of the women in our group who had the courage to move on encourage me to strive for a better future.  I want to be happy and at peace with myself  and know that it is not my fault.  I am not the reason for our broken family.  I want to know that my kids will be okay.  I thank DHF for being a safe haven, where I can freely talk about my fears, and not be judged rather than have affirmations that it’s okay to be afraid.  The most important thing is to acknowledge your fears and inhibitions and make a plan for you to change things around."  
                                                                                                 ~Domestic Harmony Foundation Support Group Member

     “I was in a very unhappy place in my life with extreme low esteem.  My relationship with my husband of 20 years was on the way out due to abuse.  My clergy made me aware of Domestic Harmony Foundation (DHF).  They encouraged me to work on myself. I returned to school, exercised more and attended the very helpful support group sessions at the DHF office.  I made real connections by sharing my story of abuse. There was no judgement.  Just lots of compassion and support during a difficult time in my life.  After much thought and reflection, I went in the direction of divorce with my husband.  I began to focus on getting employment. 
      With the help and guidance of DHF, I gained the confidence to go on interviews and begin a new start with my three children.  At DHF, I made lifelong friendships and I can not thank the organization and its members enough for all they have given me”.   
                                                                                                   ~Domestic Harmony Foundation Client

How DHF Services Empower Clients toward Healing & Self Sufficiency:       

• Free & Confidential HELPLINE
• Crisis Intervention & Management
• Professional Counseling & Support Groups
• Assistance with Safety Planning, Orders of Protection, Police Reports, Public Benefits, Legal Rights
• Training, education & workshops on Domestic Violence & Cultural Competency
• Referrals to legal services & advocacy
• Financial and material assistance based on individual and family needs
• Fostering a sense of community and support – holiday celebrations for clients & children

Due to this unexpected transition, DHF has postponed our Annual Fundraising Gala event until next year - an event that traditionally raises the most financial support to sustain our services throughout the year. This campaign has been set up instead, and as DHF does not receive county, state or federal funding, we request your immediate and generous financial assistance to ensure that our services continue.  

Our clients and their children are heartbroken at the shutdown of the space they consider to be a second home, giving them much needed peace and solace. 

Before the end of this campaign on April 30, 2019, each one of you can make a difference by donating right now.  No contribution is ever too small.

 DHF is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. 
All DONATIONS are TAX-DEDUCTIBLE and are also ZAKAT and SADAQA eligible.  

On behalf of the DHF Team, we thank you for your support & partnership at this challenging time.