When domestic violence occurs in a home, the important thing is to get away from it. That means victims coming to shelter at YWCA may come empty-handed.

That is where My Sister’s Closet comes into play.

“We’ll take care of the basic needs,” said Kayte Anton, community education and prevention specialist for YWCA.

My Sister’s Closet offers needed items to victims of domestic violence, but it goes beyond that mission, offering those same provisions — mainly clothing, furniture and household items — to those in need in the community.

“Everything you see here is free,” Anton said.

The main concern at My Sister’s Closet is space ... or, more precisely, the lack of it, Anton said.

As people are becoming educated about the Closet, the YWCA has been receiving more donations, she said.

“People are so incredibly generous,” Anton said.

Now that more know My Sister’s Closet is available, she added, the YWCA is starting to emphasize a new focus to donors: “Think about what people in need ... needs,” Anton said.

She gave the example that due to limited space My Sister’s Closet is not in need of winter coats at this time. There simply is no place to store them, Anton said.

However, any item donated never is turned away, and if My Sister’s Closet does not have room for less-needed items donations will be given to other social service agencies — such as Hope Outreach or Salvation Army — that operate thrift stores.

Normal shopping hours at My Sister’s Closet at the YWCA building, 525 S. Quincy, are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The 925 feet of space is packed with clothing, for wo-men, men and children. Much of the furniture and other household items are stored off site but are available, as well. Those wishing to donate can contact YWCA at 234-7581.

Biggest needs for My Sister’s Closet always are maternity clothing; household items, such as dishes; and appliances, Anton said.

“We’re getting a lot more awareness in the community,” she said. “When you want to donate, remember what you are donating to:” An organization providing for needs of those in the community.





Safe exchange



Another need YWCA is meeting is supervised visitations and safe exchanges.

These programs, offered after-hours and on weekends, allow a place where parents who are separated or divorced can visit their children without worry of a confrontation.

Anton said the safe exchange program allows the coordinator to meet a parent and their children at the YWCA. The coordinator stays with the children during a window of time that allows the first parent to leave and the other to arrive.

It enables the parents to maintain relationship with their children without stress.

“Some people just don’t get along,” Anton said.

The supervised visit program has the coordinator meeting with the parent and the children in a comfortable, neutral environment during the visit, she said.





Advocates are needed



YWCA is in need of volunteers for its sexual assault response advocates (SARA) program. Volunteers are ad-vocates for rape victims during sexual assault examinations. The need for volunteers is immediate, Anton said.

SARAs should be good listeners; knowledgeable about the YWCA services, for which they will receive training; and compassionate.

The 30 hours of training is undertaken at the volunteer’s pace, Anton said.

Those wishing to volunteer can call 234-7581.

All services of YWCA are offered to men and women in the community, Anton said.