Every Woman’s Place is the sanctuary for victims of domestic and sexual violence in Muskegon County. They have been the respite for thousands of victims for over 50 years in a former convent that was once part of Muskegon Catholic Central. Today, they not only assist in the recovery and healing of those effected by trauma in relationships they advocate to help younger people see the danger signs early on in unhealthy situations, they host sober living facilities that help others begin a lifestyle away from addiction and they support those in need of their services in other ways which you’ll hear about in our conversation with Rachael Jensen.
Supporting Every Woman’s Place can seem like an awfully big endeavor. Yes, the funding for domestic services is always a moving target depending on who’s working on what budgets in the government, and it’s always a razors edge that EWP or any other human service walks along. Fortunately, in Muskegon we live in a community that understands that the work will more often than not come down to us, and we are second to none when it comes to taking care of our own. Some are able to contribute in big ways. There are companies that make it part of their annual budget to support the work of EWP, and there are people too who won’t miss a fundraiser held at different times of the year. It’s really a magnificent thing to see when we all come together to support the vital work.
Some might think that all of the fanfare and large amounts of money are too much for them. Well, there’s a new ask that anyone can afford and it will help in ways that will continue on to help those who’ve needed the services succeed and grow, as well as provide for the volunteers who assist. Fingerprinting background checks are a new a requirement of the state beginning in January of 2026. The anticipation is 40 volunteers which will need the fingerprinting and 40 hours of training each. A $75 ask is what is happening here. This covers the cost of one fingerprint background check, which could be a financial barrier for someone who wants to help in the cause of ending domestic abuse. $75 isn’t a giant investment. It’s not a purse that’s going to go for a couple grand at a gala and it’s a very small sacrifice to make in the grand scheme of things.
This is an example of a little equaling a lot. Recently, I was at a fundraiser for another organization. We were invited guests to a table that had been purchased by some friends. We brought $100 to donate to the cause and the lady next to us at the table cut a check on the spot for $5k. I was really happy for the organization, but it was sure a reality check about ability to give. I had to remind myself that it’s not necessarily the amount, but the thought and the ability. $75 is within the reach for most and the gift you give will multiply over and over because one volunteer will reach many of those who need the help of Every Woman’s Place in the future. Please, do what you can to help. CLICK HERE to find the donation page and please specify VOLUENTEER PROGRAM.
