For Jeanne Yeager, one of the original leaders of the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence, 40 years of service to women and their children suffering domestic violence seems like yesterday. The brainchild of a few brave women in Caroline County who were growing concerned about the increase of violence in area homes, the Mid-Shore began offering services to victims that no federal, state or local government could provide at the time.
Over the last four decades, the Mid-Shore’s portfolio grew from finding safe shelters for families in need but began to diversity by dramatically increasing its mental health care and support groups and, more recently, bringing in volunteer lawyers to help with divorce and child custody matters, the creation of food pantries in all five the counties, and improving internet-based programs to reach more families in need.
In the Spy’s ongoing series celebrating 20 years of grantmaking by the Women & Girls Fund, we talk to Jeanne about this unique program. We also ask WGF board member and attorney Karen Kaludis, one of those early pioneers in the field of domestic violence, to talk about her long-term relationship Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence.
This video is approximately 6 minutes in length. For information about the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence please go here. For the Women & Girls Fund please go here.
Julie Susman says
Fabulous interview! Jeanne Yaeger has led the Mid Shore Council on Family Violence for decades and her efforts, and those of the staff and supporting organizations like the Women & Girls Fund, have made it possible for many many victims of abuse to leave and move successfully through that difficult transition to sustainability. I’m grateful to be on their board. If folks are looking for a way to provide help to others during the holiday season – or any season – this organization is so worthy of your help. They save lives and then enable a viable path to independence.