Client Feature: Harmony House - A Beacon of Hope for Domestic Violence Survivors
Merchant McIntyre & Associates, LLC
Merchant McIntyre Associates is the leading government relations agency serving nonprofits.
October 24, 2024, by Jane Reffelt, Merchant McIntyre
Interviewed: Jared Alexander, Executive Director of Harmony House
Washington, D.C.- For nearly three decades, October has marked?Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a national observance aimed at shedding light on the devastating impact of domestic violence on victims, survivors, families, and communities. According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, domestic violence is defined as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another.” This abuse can take many forms—physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or even technological—used to coerce and manipulate within intimate relationships.
Since September 2023,?Merchant McIntyre?has proudly partnered with?Harmony House, a vital organization in Springfield, Missouri, that works to protect and support domestic violence survivors. Founded in 1976, Harmony House has made a profound impact on the lives of over 21,000 women, men, and children. To date, the organization has provided 670,060 safe bed nights and responded to nearly 100,000 hotline calls. Under the leadership of Executive Director?Jared Alexander, the organization has become a lifeline for those affected by domestic abuse. Guided by a mission to serve anyone in need, regardless of background or circumstance, Harmony House tailors its services to the unique needs of each survivor. As Jared aptly put it, "Domestic abuse knows no boundaries," and neither does Harmony House's unwavering commitment to offering safety, shelter, and support.
Expanding Reach and Services
Harmony House has grown over the years, and now serves not just Springfield but also the nearby City of Republic. With an ever-expanding service area and a dedicated staff, the organization operates Missouri’s largest domestic violence shelter, offering?168 beds across 41 rooms, available 24/7. Alongside their physical shelter, Harmony House provides a?24-hour emergency hotline, ensuring help is just a call away any time of the day or night, even on holidays. Harmony House also provides victim advocates to local law enforcement agencies that work alongside domestic violence units. These trauma-informed advocates ensure that victims only have to tell their story once while being connected to the services they need most.
While their primary focus is offering immediate shelter and safety, Harmony House’s services extend to case management, childcare, counseling, and provision of basic necessities like meals and clothing for those who often arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
?However, these essential services do not come without challenges. Jared highlighted that?funding and staffing?are their biggest obstacles. "We need enough of the best people, and it’s a constant struggle to compensate them fairly and competitively," he said. Balancing resources with growing demands remains an ongoing effort for Harmony House.
?The Impact of the iCare Campaign
Harmony House's flagship initiative, the iCare Campaign , has become a cornerstone of the organization's efforts to raise both awareness and funds for its services. Now in its 10th year, iCare has gained significant traction within the local business community. Jared noted with a hint of humor that marketing departments from local businesses are so attuned to the October-based event that they begin inquiring about it as early as April. The campaign’s popularity reflects its strong community-driven roots and the growing support for Harmony House’s mission.
?Each October, local businesses rally behind the cause by wearing purple campaign buttons, displaying flyers, and hosting fundraisers to raise awareness and support survivors of domestic violence. Companies are also encouraged to adopt key principles in their workplaces, including:
?The iCare Pledge
This company takes the health and well-being of our employees seriously, and it is our responsibility to ensure a safe and productive work environment for everyone. This business has taken the iCare pledge to do the following:
The iCare campaign launched this year with a well-attended breakfast event, drawing 300 community members eager to amplify the campaign’s message. Attendees received boxes containing key materials: flyers to display in their workplaces, buttons to wear throughout October, and conversation starters aimed at fostering discussions about safety and domestic violence awareness. Now in its 10th year, the iCare campaign has seen participation from over 1,000 unique businesses. Executive Director Jared Alexander noted that the campaign’s impact has extended beyond Missouri, saying, "A couple of years ago, Facebook analytics showed link clicks from Canada, Europe, and Australia."
While global engagement is noteworthy, one of the most powerful moments from the iCare campaign came closer to home. A local business leader shared with Harmony House executives that an employee, moved by the campaign's visible presence, confided in their boss about experiencing domestic abuse and was able to access resources. This small act of visibility empowered the employee to seek help—just one example of how the iCare campaign has changed lives.
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Securing Grants to Sustain Critical Services
Recently, Harmony House secured major grants, with support from?Merchant McIntyre & Associates to continue vital programs including their?Transitional Housing Grant. This funding ensures the continuation of essential services for clients transitioning to safe and stable housing.
The partnership between?Harmony House, the Springfield Police Department, and the City of Springfield?for the Improve the Criminal Justice Response Program has also been instrumental in delivering immediate support to domestic violence victims. "We knew these services had to be secured again," Jared emphasized, recognizing the profound impact they have on the community.
Future funding will be used to enhance Harmony House’s services, particularly in?rural areas?that lack sufficient support for domestic violence victims. Discussions are underway to expand visibility and form partnerships with rural sheriff departments, ensuring resources are available for those in the more remote regions of the state.
Long-Term Vision: Shifting from Reaction to Prevention
Jared’s vision for Harmony House doesn’t revolve around adding more shelter beds—his goal is to create a future where fewer people need them. Prevention, he believes, is the key to ending domestic violence in the long run. Currently, Harmony House runs?prevention programs?that teach about healthy relationships, domestic violence in the workplace, and how leaders and employees can prevent abuse. In 2023, these programs reached over?4,000 individuals, and the demand continues to grow.
"I don’t want more beds because they would be filled in one day," Jared said, highlighting the need for education and early intervention as the real solution to breaking the cycle of abuse.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Legislative Efforts
Harmony House is also involved in advocating for policy changes that support domestic violence survivors. One of the key pieces of legislation they monitor closely is the?Crime Victim Fund Stabilization Act , which will maintain funding levels for victim-serving organizations, like Harmony House. The Crime Victim Fund, created by the Victims of Crime Act , helps fund services like their 24-hour hotline. If this funding were to be cut, it would have a significant impact on their ability to provide around-the-clock support to those in need. Jared stresses the importance of being “loud” about the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and keeping the public informed about how legislative changes could affect local services.
Through a combination of direct services, community involvement, and legislative advocacy, Harmony House is not only helping individuals escape dangerous situations but also paving the way for long-term change.
How Can YOU Get Involved?
One of the ways that Harmony House is able to meet their needs is by utilizing an?Amazon Wishlist?where supporters can purchase items directly to benefit those in the shelter. As you are willing and able, please consider purchasing an item from the link below an act of philanthropy in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Additionally, they accept monetary donations through a secure link also provided below.
?For more information about Harmony House, the iCare campaign, or ways to get involved, visit their website or contact them directly.
?Donation links:
?If you or someone you know are living in an abusive situation, there are resources available:
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