4 nonprofits that are raising awareness for domestic violence in Birmingham—including the new Ashley’s House

October was Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, but this important topic deserves recognition throughout the year. We have rounded up four nonprofits that are making a difference when it comes to domestic violence in Birmingham. Keep reading to find out how to help + raise awareness.

1. Ashley’s House at King’s Home

This past week, King’s Home dedicated their Girl’s Moderate Youth Program Home as “Ashley’s House” in honor of their donor, Ashley Wheeler. The house provides a safe space for boys and girls who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence in Birmingham.

“Youth eligible for this level program may be abused, neglected or exploited and may exhibit mild and/or occasional behavioral and/or emotional problems. Ashley’s House is now home to eight female youths.”

Jim Medley, Director of Development, King’s Home

King’s Home Moderate Youth Program provides the following:

• Home-Style Environment
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Counseling (Individual, Family, Group)
• Social Skills Development
• Tutoring
• Equine Therapy
• Art Sessions
• Horticultural Garden Sessions

Driven by her past of domestic violence at home, Ashley Wheeler created the A2Z Hope, Inc. foundation. The foundation is built to raise awareness and prevent different forms of domestic violence against women and children.

“This donation brings me tears of joy. I know that this house will truly be a home for girls that have been through an enormous amount of trauma during their young lives. I hope this house will serve as a turning point in their lives, setting them towards a new path away from domestic abuse and violence.”

Ashley Wheeler, President, A2Z Hope, Inc.

Donate | Volunteer | 221 King’s Home Dr, Chelsea, AL 35043 | 205.678.8331

2. One Place Metro Family Justice Center

One Place is one of three Family Justice Centers in Alabama, the others in Montgomery and Florence. They work together to serve domestic violence victims and survivors by impacting the systems that often create a barrier when it comes to safety. The goal is to minimize the number of places a victim has to go to by creating an organization that has everything under one roof.

One Place is one of the Junior League of Birmingham’s impactful placements through the JLB Community of Lights event.

“Each of us can raise awareness by simply educating ourselves on the resources that exist to support victims and survivors—and then sharing about that resource when the opportunity presents itself. Reminding people they are not alone and that resources like One Place exist are the best ways to offer support.”

Allison Dearing, Executive Director, One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center

Donate | 3613 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL | 205.453.7261

3. YWCA

YWCA is a 501(c)(3) social justice nonprofit. They strive to eliminate racism and empower women through different opportunities and advocacy. They also have domestic violence services where they take a holistic approach to empower victims and survivors.

Their main service is providing advocates to all domestic violence clients. Advocates provide assistance when it comes to the many obstacles that are a result of domestic violence. YWCA advocates provide safety planning, case management, information and referrals and legal advocacy.

Other services include:

• Comprehensive Case Management
• Trauma-informed Care
• Domestic Violence Victim Support Group
• Building Resilience In spite of Tough Environments (BRITE)
• Counseling 

Advocates are located at the YWCA Central Alabama downtown headquarters and outreach offices in Blount, St. Clair and Jefferson counties.

• Blount County | 205.322.8303 
• St. Clair County | 205.338.8808
• Jefferson County | 205.322.9922

Donate | Volunteer | 309 23rd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203 | 205.322.9922

4. Crisis Center

The Crisis Center’s mission is to empower people in their greatest time of need. Volunteers, or crisis counselors, are trained to help callers and guide them to assistance.

“Everyone wants to feel cared for and needed. Volunteers and clients benefit through regular conversations via the Senior Talk Line. As a volunteer, I get a warm feeling knowing that I have been a light in someone’s day. Volunteering keeps me active. Even when the conversation is short, it’s good to know someone called. A phone call can make ALL the difference.”

Volunteer for Crisis Center

Crisis Center has volunteers and staff at the ready 24 hours a day, every day of the year. They provide three different lines so whatever stage of life you are in you can find someone to talk to. You can talk about anything on these calls and there will always be someone on the other side of the line ready to listen and care.

Donate | Volunteer | 3620 8th Ave S, Suite 110, Birmingham, AL  35222 | 205.323.7782

Hotlines

If you or someone you know is struggling with domestic violence in Birmingham, there are hotlines for help:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.799.7233 (SAFE)
• National Crisis Hotline: 1.800.273.8255 (TALK)
• 24-Hour Crisis Line: 205.322.4878 (HURT)
• Alabama Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.650.6522

For more information like this be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram + Facebook.