FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION February 20, 2014 Erin Collins CAAW receives grant to expand access to families RENO, Nev. – The Committee to Aid Abused Women (CAAW) was recently named one of three recipients of the Nevada Women’s Fund 2013 Giving Circle Grants, and will use the funds to help abused women get back on their feet. With the $30,000 grant and a donation from Umpqua Bank, CAAW will launch the Family Empowerment Project (FEP), will provide families with expanded access to vocational training, child care services, health and financial education, and professional counseling. “The fear of being alone is always hard,” said Lucía [last name redacted], a domestic violence survivor and CAAW advocate. “But you’re not alone; there’s always someone to talk to. And lots of resources.” The launch of the FEP will expand these resources to more families like Lucía and her son. Before the two moved into the committee’s emergency shelter last fall, Lucía didn’t think they would be able to survive on their own. By working with the variety of programs offered by CAAW, however, the two have reclaimed control of their lives, and recently moved into a new home to call their own. Lucía also started a new job, and is happy she and her son are living without the threat of violence. Lucía and her son are just one more example of how CAAW can help victims of domestic abuse rebuild their lives on all fronts. Since its doors opened in Reno in 1977, CAAW has helped more than 70,000 victims overcome domestic violence. From a 24-hour hotline and emergency shelter, to legal services, transitional housing, and support groups, CAAW sees each victim through the entire process of rebuilding a violence-free life. Through the expanded programming the FEP will offer, victims of domestic violence will be better served with realistic steps to gaining independence and stability. Since 1977, CAAW, a Washoe County non-profit organization, has helped over 70,000 male and female domestic abuse victims rebuild their lives. Domestic abuse is not just physical – it can be mental, emotional, verbal, or sexual. If you believe you, a friend, or family member is in danger, please call the CAAW 24-hour hotline at 775-329-4150. ###