Phelps County Family Crisis Services, INC.

Russell House

Summer 2011

The metamorphosis of a butterfly is a wonderful example of life transformed.

utterflies are not born… they develop.  Every butterfly begins its life as a tiny egg.  When a caterpillar first hatches from its egg, it is very small. That tiny caterpillar has only one job: to eat! Caterpillars face many challenges as they grow.  One of those challenges is that their skin does not grow with them!  In order for a caterpillar to grow they must grow a whole new, larger skin and shed the old skin.  The shedding process is called molting. The caterpillar must repeat this process five times before it is full grown!  The final molting process produces the chrysalis or cocoon.  Contrary to popular belief, the chrysalis is not a place of rest.  Rather, it is the place where growth and change are continually taking place.   Legs form. Wings develop. Palettes and designs of vibrant color emerge.  Finally, the transformation is complete!  A beautiful butterfly opens its eyes, unfolds its wings, breaks free of constraints of the chrysalis and is ready to fly! 

Just as the caterpillar needs the safety of the chrysalis to find their wings, so do victims of domestic and sexual violence.  Phelps County Family Crisis Services (PCFCS) provides safety as well as resources for victims of domestic and sexual violence.  Under our umbrella of services those who have chosen to leave the abuse discover a new chance at life. At PCFCS we recognize that change is not always easy, especially for survivors who have endured a lifetime of abuse.  We also realize that change is possible and new beginnings have started here! Like the caterpillar in the chrysalis, survivors are given opportunities to regain their legs and find their wings, so they too can fly!   

Since 1994 Phelps County Family Crisis Services has provided services to more than 7,850 people.  The empowerment model implemented by our agency enables survivors to make their own choices and live a life free of abuse.  The services provided by PCFCS offer opportunities for survivors to transform their lives… we believe all survivors can find their wings and fly!

We always need volunteers

We are currently in need of volunteers to assist in the following areas:

• o        Shelter Support –assisting staff over the weekend
• o        Transportation
• o        Shelter relief- to answer the business line and assist residents with daily needs

We would greatly appreciate any assistance you can offer.  Please call Stacy Blakley, Volunteer Coordinator or e-mail her at russellhouse.vc@gmail.com.

Social Networking

Russell House is now on Facebook!  You can find us at The Russell House PCFCS.  By liking our page your Facebook wall will be automatically updated on the happenings at Russell House.  You can also access our website at www.russellhouse.info.

Donations:  Top Ten Most Wanted

1. Socks (all sizes)
2. Deodorant
3. Over the counter pain reliever & first aid supplies
4. Paper products (toilet paper & paper towels)
5. Diapers (all sizes)
6. Feminine Hygiene products
7. Undergarments of all sizes
8. Shampoo, Conditioner, ethnic specific hair products
9. Pots, pans & dishes

10.  Walmart gift cards

  Contributions

If you would like to donate to Russell House your kindness would be very much appreciated.  Whether you choose to contribute one time or each month your monies are tax deductible.  Please make checks payable to The Russell House and mail them to PO Box 2259 Rolla MO  65402.  Cash donations can be placed in a marked envelope and dropped off at Rolla Police Department.

Tax Credits are Available

Russell House and Missouri Domestic Violence Shelter Tax Credits-a gift of healing and hope to abused women and their children bringing tax savings to you.

A very simple way to help Russell House and ease your tax burden!

  1. Make your contribution of $100 to $100,000

  2. Complete the Domestic Violence Shelter Tax Credit application mailed to you

  3. Return it to Russell House

The Missouri Domestic Violence Shelter Tax Credit allows a donor to give from $100 to $100,000 per calendar year (based on availability) to Russell House, and in return, the donor will get half of the donation back in the form of a Missouri State tax credit.

A tax credit is a deduction directly off what you owe in taxes to the State of Missouri during a taxable year. You may still take a regular charitable deduction in calculating your Federal income tax.

Eligibility: any entity that has a Missouri tax liability and files a Schedule A Itemized Deductions. These include individuals, corporations, partnerships, S Corporations, Express Corporations, and LLC's.

Upon receipt of a donation of $100 or more, Russell House will send a Domestic Violence Shelter Tax Credit Application form to the donor. Tax credit forms will also be sent to donor’s whose accumulated donations have exceeded $100 during that tax year.

The donor must fill in the taxable year, Social Security Number(s), or Federal Identification Number, sign and return the form to Russell House. If a check was written, the donor must also send a copy of the cancelled check.

Upon receipt of the completed form, Russell House will submit the information to the Missouri Department of Social Services for processing. The Department will process the application and send a Tax Credit to the donor for use in filing their tax returns.

Vision Statement

Phelps County Family Crisis Services, Inc. strives to develop and maintain a confidential and supportive network that provides shelter, counseling and care for victims of domestic and sexual violence while educating our communities about prevention and the needs of victims and their families.

Mission Statement

Phelps County Family Crisis Services, Inc. is a not for profit organization that provides services to victims of family violence and their children.  We support the principle that all individuals have a right to a life free of domestic and sexual violence.  We seek to break the cycle of violence through prevention education, advocacy, counseling, increased public awareness, coordinating resources, and providing a safe environment.