By Pamplin Media Group

Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS) held its second annual Screentime Drive-In Gala on Saturday, April 24. The event originally was a hybrid event; however, it was switched to virtual due to the rain.

Guests who planned to attend the Drive-In Gala picked up their gourmet snacks at North Clackamas Aquatic Park in Milwaukie, and then tuned into the livestream from their homes.

Screentime provided an opportunity for the community to support ongoing local services for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence and comes at a time of both increased need due to the ongoing pandemic and challenges in traditional nonprofit fundraising.

“CWS has had so many accomplishments, despite the coronavirus pandemic, the wildfires and the ice storms,” said Executive Director Melissa Erlbaum. “We adapted to each challenge along the way — shifting the way we provided shelter and other core services to prioritize the health and safety of our staff and survivors. We’re so grateful for our partnerships, that they were able to rely on us in this time, and that we were able to be a strong, steady force in the community throughout this crisis.”

Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises have exacerbated the needs of survivors experiencing violence. During 2020, CWS experienced a 30% increase in calls made to their crisis and support line, and a 50% increase in individuals and families sheltered over the previous year. The organization also partnered with public health agencies to distribute over $1 million provided by the CARES Act throughout the community, regardless of whether they were experiencing violence, to assist people needing to quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19.

People experiencing domestic or sexual violence, stalking or elder abuse can contact a confidential advocate with Clackamas Women’s Services for help and support through its 24-hour crisis line at 888-654-2288. Community members looking to support Clackamas Women’s Services can email development@cwsor.org to become involved.

 

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