Survivors of domestic abuse need help as they make a fresh start, and Felicia’s Donation Closet provides what’s needed to settle into a new home.
Felicia Raye Diny, who began Felicia’s Donation Closet, talked about the nonprofit she founded two years ago. She works with Shelter From Storm, another nonprofit that provides shelter, high school equivalency training, access to jobs and therapy, allowing women to establish a new life for themselves and their children.
Once the women are able to become independent and move into their new home, Felicia's Donation Closet provides them with furniture, appliances, clothing and all other necessities. The volunteers move the furniture in, ensuring the family is not sleeping on the floor.
The nonprofit is now raising funds to purchase a moving truck.
With just five or so volunteers, the nonprofit has helped 24 women and 54 children transition into their new homes. Felicia said she has been in four abusive relationships and can relate to the women.
Rotary donated $3,000 to the nonprofit in October but the fundraising continues. On May 21, a casino night is planned at Bonfyre in Madison with proceeds going to a fund for the new truck.
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Other news:
-If you plan to donate to the relief effort in Ukraine, you have until April 21. The Waunakee Rotary Foundation will match up to $4,000. Jim Elvekrog, club treasurer, said so far, 10 donations totalling $2620 have been received. Checks can be made out Waunakee Rotary Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 159, Waunakee, or brought to the meeting on Thursday.
-During the drive-through Easter bunny event, 700 bags of candy and goodies were distributed, Phil Willems said.
-April 23 is the village wide cleanup. Meet at the Village Hall.
-April 30 is Special Olympics swimming and volunteers are needed.
-May 21 is Tri 4 Kids; volunteer there if you can.
Guests: Felicia Ray Diny, speaker; Macia Sokol and ddRyan Olson, with the speaker; Robert Brothers, guest of Jim Kattner; Caitlyn Durden, guest of Nancy Thomas.
Visiting Rotarians: None.
Birthdays: April 24, Leonard Allen.
Anniversaries: April 22, Kathy and Mark Cefalu
April 26, Sean and Holly Wayne
Greeters: April 21, Fritz Durst and Jim Elvekrog; April 21, Taylor Endres and Dan Evans; April 28, Greg Garton and Tracy Graber.
