Underground Railroad has been blessed by many loyal and generous donors who want to sustain it for years to come. Have you considered supporting Underground Railroad with a planned gift?

I’ve been affiliated with Underground Railroad as a board member and volunteer since 1983. When I get asked about why I’m “passionate” about domestic violence, I envision a woman with her child and her dog, hunched in the corner, waiting for the next rage. That is not acceptable. It makes me angry. In addition to not being safe or respected, women who are victims of domestic violence have no choice. My passion is my belief that women need to have the opportunities to make choices. I had to fight for many of my opportunities as a woman – to play sports in high school, to major in accounting in college – and while it’s gotten better, we’re still not there yet. I’m as excited for a mom who stays home, as a mom who works, or one who does a little of both- as long as the path she takes is her choice. Underground Railroad programs help give that freedom of choice back to the survivor after it’s been taken away by someone else. Emergency shelter provides a place where she can be safe, first and foremost. But even if a survivor is not staying in emergency shelter, she can access support like counseling or court services to take that first step to regaining her independence.  Underground Railroad’s prevention education helps teach students that they’re allowed to have an equal voice in their relationship, and that messaging starts even younger in the Girls on The Run Program. I’ve been able to sit on their advisory board and participate in some of the after school activities with the girls, and it’s wonderful to see them learn to use their voice, and watch their confidence grow. Valuing the voices and choices of girls and women is the key to ending the violence that happens against them.  And I will continue to contribute – whether its time or talent or money – until it goes away.

I first heard about Underground Railroad and its mission in January 2005. I thought the cause was important and I signed up to volunteer.  This was the year of Hurricane Katrina. Seeing the devastation that occurred in New Orleans compelled many people to help in their own communities. My first job volunteering had me unloading an overwhelming amount of donations from two massive trucks. We received diapers, formula, food, bottled water, and clothing. Our small donations room was stuffed to the gills. It was the first time I realized the generosity that exists in Saginaw County.  After serving as a volunteer, I interviewed to become a Board Member, and later served as the Community Development Manager for several years. I have always felt a strong connection to the mission of Underground Railroad, and felt proud to represent the agency in such a concrete way. I felt like what I was doing added value to the world. Although I now live in Florida, I still make an annual donation to the agency because I believe so strongly in its mission and work. When I visit Michigan near the holidays, I make time to help gather and sort donations for the Adopt A Family program. I recently completed a visit where I had the opportunity to meet with survivors, listen to their hardships and successes, and write their stories to be shared with the community. Perhaps even more importantly, I have included URR in my will to help ensure the legacy continues past my lifetime. More people in the world are impacted by domestic violence than any other “cause”, but there is no real cure. Underground Railroad does an amazing job providing services for these victims. Underground Railroad has positive visibility and is accessible to victims who need safety and services. They stay current on the issues affecting survivors and adapt to what changes. From focusing on trafficking to providing a space for pets, they recognize the barriers that survivors face when trying to get help. And they do everything they can to eliminate those barriers and empower that survivor. I’m proud to say that Underground Railroad is part of my history and my legacy.