The Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation recognizes the contributions of nonprofit organizations in the communities we serve. Each month, we’ll honor one of those organizations as our Nonprofit of the Month.

Many people are staying home with their families this holiday season, much like they have since March. Home is a place where you want to feel safe and comfortable, no matter what else is happening in the world. But that’s not always the case for everyone. Some don’t have enough to eat or reliable housing, and some are living with the threat of domestic violence.

Sheltering Wings, in Danville, Indiana, is a non-profit organization and, as the name suggests, a shelter for women, men, and children escaping violent homes. It helps those in need with every step of the process:

• A website and 24-hour phone helpline to begin looking for assistance
• An 80-bed facility where people can stay behind several locked doors and away from an abuser
• Support in the form of mental health counseling, job training, and education for children
• Work with community groups and government agencies to help them recognize the signs of abuse and take action that will help

Perhaps the first, and most difficult, step is for a victim to recognize they are being abused. Sheltering Wings’ website features a list of 17 questions like, “Do they say no one else would care about you if they didn’t?” The questions are indicators of a possible abuser. Immediately below the questions you’ll find links to locate someone who can help.

Even if domestic abuse is not part of your life or experience, Sheltering Wings is a resource for information on the topic, and what you can do to support them. During the Christmas season, their “wish list” included items like razors, socks, and outdoor toys for use by everyone seeking assistance at the shelter.

Sheltering Wings is supported by Hastings Mutual and Gadberry & Associates.

For more on the Sheltering Wings program, visit their website.