Want to help end violence against women, children and men in Evansville? Here's how.

Segann March
Evansville

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — More women, children and men in crisis are visiting The Albion Fellows Bacon Center than ever in recent years and a new capital campaign the nonprofit just kicked off will hopefully help address that increasing need.

"Albion is witnessing an increase in the number of individuals who are utilizing our services," said Mallorie Cloum, community engagement director for Albion. "Many people are not aware, but Albion does not discriminate based on age, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion or socio-economic status based on the knowledge that abuse may happen to anyone."

Last year, Albion received more than 4,000 calls via its 24-hour crisis response lines and provided emergency shelter to 344 individuals — 229 women, 3 men and 121 children. 

With the influx of clients, the nonprofit has issued its second capital campaign to bring in more services for those individuals and families in abusive situations. Albion Fellows Bacon Center set a goal of $1.5 million and has raised nearly $811,000 towards its campaign, which began on Valentines Day.

Cloum says the organization recognizes the number of individuals "taking the brave steps to utilize their services."

"After 31 years with no significant renovations, we are proud to look towards the future with the ability to enhance our services," she said. "We continuously witness the power of support in our community and have worked hard to build a campaign that allows individuals to provide empowerment to those who need our agency."

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By the numbers (2018):

  • Provided services 4,148 times ( when advocates met with individuals based on abuse) 
  • 2,924 of those services focused on domestic abuse
  • 1,057 of those services focused on sexual assault
  • 35 of those services focused on human trafficking

All donations directed toward the Campaign will be used to create additional office space for the Centers' non-residential team whose offices are currently off-site and to add 12 more beds in the emergency shelter, creating a capacity of 48 individuals. 

Enhancing security for office staff, non-residential clients and those individuals staying in the shelter is essential, Cloum said. 

Amy Wilkerson, Primary Prevention Director at Albion Fellows Bacon Center, talks about bystander intervention during a Safe Dates program in this file photo. The eight to 10 session program talks about healthy relationships and what resources are available to area students and residents.

"For our safe shelter, we will eliminate the need for guests who are meeting with those working inside our shelter to enter through the main shelter doors," Cloum said. "While temporary, our facilities are home to our clients who currently reside with us. This will allow them the freedom to feel safe and recognize that they need not worry about anyone who may come through the doors."

Albion Fellows Bacon Center offers free services to victims of sexual and domestic violence on a daily basis. The nonprofit aims to empower their clients through education, advocacy and support. Individuals who need immediate safety are able to stay in the shelter up to 45 days. 

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"It is a common misconception that violence is the only way an individual may be classified as a victim of abuse," she explained. "The reality is that it is much more complex and involves any physical violence, sexual violence, threats and emotional/psychological abuse that allows an abuser to exert power & control over an individual."

How you can help: 

Visit Albion Fellows Bacon Center's websitealbionfellowsbacon.org/ to find how you can help. On the website, you'll be able to enroll in an auto-renewing donation and choose to designate your donation toward the campaign. 

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