The Flannery-Keal Home: Not Just for Women

A recent article and headline in the July 23 edition of the Chronicle-Tribune unfortunately misspoke about who we serve. The reporter did a nice job assisting Hands of Hope in getting the word out about much needed donations for our client store, but, we are no longer just a women’s shelter – we are a domestic violence shelter for men and women.

This change came about in October 2013 when the VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) was reauthorized. While, Hands of Hope has always served and worked with both female and male victims of domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking, where we housed a male victim was different prior to October. Since October 2013, we have actually housed two male victims in the Flannery-Keal Home and both times found that the accommodations worked just fine.

I felt the need to clarify this because to indicate that we are a women’s shelter violates VAWA and potentially part of the funding we receive from the federal government which is critical for our continued existence.

So, please help me and all of us at Hands of Hope, a division of Radiant Health in spreading the word that the Flannery-Keal Home is a safe, clean place for victims of domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking who are male or female and in need of a safe place to escape the violence.

To find out more about the services offered and how you can assist us in stocking the shelves of our new client store, please call Hands of Hope at 765-664-0701.