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Residents Greatly Benefit From Computers 
A world without computers? Hard to imagine these days. Computers have become a necessity in our society, but until recently, residents in Schuylkill Women in Crisis’ (SWiC’s) emergency shelter did not have access to these vital devices. Thanks to generous donations from M&T Bank and District Attorney James Goodman, SWiC’s emergency shelter now has three computers for use by residents. One women (“Anne”) residing in shelter, who is advancing her education, formerly used computers at the local public library where users are limited to one hour. A few months ago, she had been taking an online test on the library computer when her one-hour access limit expired. She was booted off the computer before finishing the test, receiving a lower grade than she might otherwise have received. “I am able to be in college and capable of doing well,” said Anne. Private computer access “is the difference between an A grade and a C grade.” Whether researching homework assignments and reports or searching for jobs or housing, computers are necessary to meet many daily requirements of women and children as they seek to live free from abuse. Prior to the availability of computers in the shelter, residents and their children had to use shared computers at locations such as public libraries or schools, always in competition for use by other people and not available at secure locations at varied hours. With funding cuts to libraries, many are reducing their hours of operation, further limiting the opportunity to use computers. Increased accessibility is only one important advantage to computers in SWiC’s shelter. Safety is also a priority. Residents do not have to leave the safety of the building and do not have to rely on available transportation or walk in all types of weather, often with children. Many times, residents have found public access computers unavailable, with others ahead of them waiting. At the shelter, SWiC staff is available 24/7 and is knowledgeable of basic computer usage and of the hidden dangers of offenders often using the internet and other technology to locate, stalk, and harass victims. “I can have access to a computer right up until the time I go to bed,” said Anne. “I can give it my all.” SWiC Sets Fundraiser Guidelines 
Schuylkill Women in Crisis (SWiC) is extremely grateful to those members of the community who support our efforts to help area victims of domestic violence through financial contributions, donations of needed items and supplies, and the conducting of events that raise funds or collect donations to benefit SWiC. As a non-profit organization, we are obligated by law to ensure that all fundraising events on our behalf are consistent with the regulations of the IRS and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. To that end, SWiC has adopted guidelines for outside individuals and organizations seeking to conduct a fundraising event and/or a drive for donations. Those who seek to plan a fundraiser must complete a form which can be obtained from the agency’s website, www.s-wic.org, or from SWiC’s office by calling 570.622.3991. We ask for your cooperation and support of the following guidelines:
For more information, visit SWiC’s website, www.s-wic.org, or call SWiC’s office, 570.622.3991 We are in need of the following items for SWiC’s emergency shelter: · Cleaning supplies, · Detergent, · Liquid hand soap. If you are able to donate any of these items, please call SWiC’s office AS SOON AS POSSIBLE at 570.622.3991 or email swicagency@comcast.net to make arrangements. Thank you! NOTE: Due to inundations of clothing, fire hazards, limited space, and the issue with bed bugs, SWiC has revised its donation policy. Please see SWiC’s Donation Policy on our website, www.s-wic.org. You can register as a donor online or call SWiC at 570.622.3991. Proceeds benefit SWiC 
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Get Ready for Tee Time! 
The 16th Annual SWiC Spring Challenge tees off at 1 p.m. at Mountain Valley Golf Course, Barnesville, on Friday, April 29, 2011. You can support services for victims of domestic violence while enjoying the fresh air and (hopefully!) sunshine of the beautiful mountains and greens. Cost for golfers is $95 and includes a $50 Nike gift card, lunch at noon, golf, and dinner at 6:00. Payment and registration must be received to reserve space. Register online at www.s-wic.org/golf or by calling SWiC at 570.622.3991. Sponsors are still needed! Recognition for sponsors and contributors will be included on printed materials. Call Janel at SWiC for sponsorship availability. If you're not a golfer, consider participating in a Zumbathon or Spinathon at the Schuylkill Racquet Club, Orwigsburg area, with all proceeds benefiting SWiC. Zumbathon is a Latin and Hip Hop dance-inspired cardio workout, and Spinathon is a cycling class. On the day of the 16th Annual SWiC Spring Challenge, the Schuylkill Racquet Club will host a Zumbathon from 3-5 p.m. and Spinathon from 4-5 p.m. However, Zumbathon will ALSO be held Sat., April 23, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., AND Spinathon will ALSO be held Fri., April 22, from 4-5 p.m. and again from 5:30-6:30 p.m. All classes are $15 each, and registration is mandatory by calling the Schuylkill Racquet Club at 570-366-1422. Classes at the Racquet Club will be completed on April 29 in time for participants to attend the dinner after SWiC’s tournament at the Mountain Valley Golf Course if they choose. Cost for dinner if you are not a golfer is $30. Call SWiC for reservations. For more information about the golf tournament, call SWiC at 570.622.3991 or visit the website www.s-wic.org/golf.
 SWiC seeks to spread awareness about domestic violence and SWiC services throughout the county. A big THANK YOU to the third grade classes of Pottsville Area School District for their Easter collections. SWiC will provide a brief presentation to those pupils, and we are available to provide age-appropriate programs for all grade levels. If you are interested in a presentation of any length, from the simple to the in-depth, please contact Mary Jo (swicmedadv@comcast.net) or Darla (swicgrantwriter@comcast.net) via email or by calling SWiC’s office, 570.622.3991. Check out SWiC’s presentations or resources at the following upcoming events: Schuylkill Health Centers, various times monthly Staff Education Days Wed., April 27 Genesis HealthCare Administrators and Directors @Luther Ridge Tuesday, May 3 Schuylkill Chamber Leadership Program Tuesday, May 24 Schuylkill Haven BPW Wednesday, June 1 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Senior Expo, Schuylkill Mall, Frackville Wednesday, June 8 2-6 p.m. – Pediatric Health Fair, Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29 Volunteer Gives ‘Shout Out’ to Brave Women Thank you to SWiC volunteer, Jane, who organized and presented a fun and informative party in March for residents in SWiC’s facilities to celebrate National Women’s History Month. With the theme “Our History is Our Strength,” Jane, in full historic costume, shared fun facts about notable women in history who have furthered the well-being of all women. Other volunteers helped with refreshments and activities. Thank you to all who helped! 
Dressed in vintage clothing, Jane planned games and activities for both women and children. Special NOTES FOR VOLUNTEERS: Mark your calendars for the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. for Volunteer Meetings. The next Volunteer Meeting will be May 10. Mary Jo will send reminders, but please RSVP either way. She will also email any schedule changes if the weather doesn't cooperate. Please remember to EMAIL OR DROP OFF YOUR VOLUNTEER SLIPS AND HOURS to Mary Jo at the end of every month. This is VERY IMPORTANT!! If you are available to help in SWiC’s offices or are interested in practicing answering hotline calls or other tasks, please contact Mary Jo at 570.622.3991 or swicmedadv@comcast.net. 
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