A Lost and Still a Need

We recently posted an article about the women's home in Plymouth, Indiana they needed help. And many responded with help. But unfortunantely the home suffered a lost last week. According to the news article on the local radio station:i

Resident from Heminger House Accused for Taking Gift Cards

10/21/08 The Heminger House Shelter for Women and Children was burglarized and an estimated $1,000 in gift cards, intended to purchase food and clothing for residents, was stolen.

Executive Director Linda Mullen Clevenger told Plymouth police Saturday about the Thursday, October 16, burglary. Allegedly, while a resident was being evicted for uncontrollable behavior, she stole a key to a locker and removed the gift cards. Evidence to implicate the woman was caught on a video camera and police are pursuing charges.

"We were shocked and saddened by the theft," Clevenger said.



"Our friends in the Marshall County community had entrusted us, and assisted us, with these gifts so that we could help women as they escape domestic violence. I was sickened by the theft. We waited 48 hours to report it, hoping the former resident would return the cards, unspent. Unfortunately, she did not and was caught using the cards to purchase alcohol in local stores."



"I personally felt betrayed when the cards were stolen, and was then hurt, and angry, when she allegedly used the cards to buy alcohol. It was a kick in the heart," she said. "We protected this woman from a very violent situation and we helped provide a home and a sense of stability for her children."



In fact, when the woman first arrived, some gift cards were used to buy shoes and clothes for the woman and for her children, Clevenger said.



"We know that improper behavior is often a result of being abused. For example, some women who have been abused will become very skilled at manipulation, as a means of trying to control their lives," Clevenger said. "And, unfortunately, some turn to theft as a way to get items they want or need."



"We just opened Septtember 11th and this was a very quick, and difficult, lesson to learn. Most of our residents have been wonderful, appreciative, and sincerely looking to stop the abuse in their relationships," Clevenger said.



"Marshall County residents have been so generous in their support and I am afraid this burglary will disappoint them," she said. "We were genuinely shocked at the woman's ingenuity in gaining access to the locked area where the cards were kept."

"We want to assure everyone that we are taking even more precautionary measures to keep the gift cards safe," she said. "Cash is not kept in the house and we wrongly thought that gift cards would be easier to guard."



The Heminger House is a shelter for victims of domestic violence. There are currently 18 residents. Its address is not publicized but help, and information, can be obtained by calling (574) 936-7233 or by writing to P.O. Box 4, Plymouth, IN 46563.

source: http://www.am1050.com/pg/single.php?newsid=10619