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Show The lnJmen's Room By Kate McCutchan Back in 1975, a woman named Darlene Baumgardcn began teaching self-defense classes for women at Colombia Jr. College, Tuolumne County, California. Darlene discovered that many of her students had disturbing tales to tell the reasons behind their desire to learn self-defense. Many of her students were taking her class to defend themselves against their husbands, boyfriends and fathers. A sad state of affairs, but a true one. There are about 30,000 people in Tuolumne County; approximately 30 women each month are victims of physical abuse and are brave enough to call for help. Another 20 women never reach out or speak up - their fear and self-image keep them trapped in their own private hells. But concerned women in Tuolumne County have come to the aid of their less fortunate sisters: the Women's Crisis Center is alive and well. I visited the Center with an old friend who told me the story of its development. Linda DuTemple is now the director of rape counseling; she began working for the center as a volunteer and has become an integral part of the center's work against violence. The center handles calls from women who have been raped or beaten or both, and from mothers with young children who need a place to go, a place to hide from the men who are abusing them. Linda and her co-workers give them whatever they can in the way of positive feedback, reassurance, shelter and counseling. Years ago, Darlene and friends began fund-raising for the creation of a women's crisis center. They sold hot dogs at county fairs and didn't stop until enough money was raised to open the center. Today, funds from several government agencies are providing rent on a lovely old house, supplies and salaries for trained employees. Local service clubs and concerned volunteers donate money, clothes, toys and food. The center is a shelter, a guide, a friend; the center is women helping women. And the center is caring. I was amazed at the solid concepts and programs offered to women in trouble. Each victim has her own personal advocate - a woman assigned to be her special helpmate. If a child is involved, he or she also has an advocate. : ; . The woman and her children are welcome to stay in the shelter for up to a month, to take advantage of the personnel's training and guidance, food and clothes, and to feel safe and protected while they change the direction of their lives. The center deals with violence against women. It offers options in life to people who believed that there was no way out. In addition to the relief they find in merely talking to someone who understands, these women discover alternatives to' their dilemmas. The center works closely with state and county agencies, offering a full referral service and a growing library for study. Most of all, the Women's Crisis Center provides comfort to women in ultimate distress: women caring for and supporting women. i - : - s i . i?! ,i . J ' ... .. y - . i . : - - - : " , f : -1 . - ' --- -- y Mary Doughty owner of. the Family Jcwcls-prcscnts Dorothy Cunningham With a pair of emerald earrings. Mrs. Cunningham 'is the May winner of the Family Jewels' monthly chawing. |