Westport Task Force Announces Back-To-School Supply Drive

Information via the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force

WESTPORT, CT — The Westport Domestic Violence Task Force (WDVTF) will be collecting back-to-school supplies Aug. 9-15 for residents of the two Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) safe houses that service the area.

According to a news release, the DVCC supports individuals on their journey to safety. DVCC advocates for individuals who are experiencing abuse in personal relationships. It offers multiple services and professional staff to help those experiencing any level of domestic violence and assist them in building a safer environment for the well-being of themselves and their families.

All victim services are free and confidential, and all services offered are multicultural/multilingual. These services include assistance with basic needs such as food, clothing, and personal items. Counseling and legal services are also introduced in addition to transportation assistance, children's advocacy, weekly play-based children's programming focused on self-esteem and healthy communication and referrals to community resources.

The DVCC also provides economic advocacy, including budget development and assistance with job searches and resumes.

The DVCC safe house and community clients are in need of the following items to ensure the children are prepared for the new school year:

• New Unused Backpacks
• Notebooks
• Pens/Pencils/Highlighters/Crayons
• New and Unused Lunch Boxes
• Graphing Calculators

Also needed are diapers in various sizes. Donations can be left in the collection bin located in the lobby of the Westport Police Department at 50 Jesup Road.

More information on WDVTF initiatives can be found on Facebook.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, help can be reached via the 24 hour hotline, 1-888-774-2900 and additional information can be found on the DVCC website, www.dvccct.org.