The Cold Spring Area Chamber Ambassadors had the opportunity to welcome Anna Marie’s Alliance as a new member of the Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce. We met with staff members, Victoria Evens, Lori Eich, and Charlene Ridlon.
Anna Marie’s Alliance provides shelter, support, and resources for individuals and families in abusive relationships. It opened its doors in 1979 and at the time was known as the Central Minnesota Battered Women’s Shelter. Anna Marie was an avid volunteer at the shelter. Her son generously donated money to open the current facility (in 2000) and asked to have the shelter named after his Mother.
Anna Marie’s Alliance can provide shelter for up to 36 people in dorm-style housing. They are currently renovating the space into efficiency-style apartments to allow the residents to have more privacy and the ability to be more independent. Residents can stay in the shelter for up to 45 days with some exceptions. They provide residents with many resources that include licensed childcare up to 4 days a week, a pet shelter, a public health nurse, and resources to help them after they leave Anna Marie’s Alliance. In addition to the shelter program, advocacy services are available to those impacted by intimate partner violence through their community advocates, prevention and education team, on-scene advocates, and more.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Anna Marie’s Alliance is asking the public to light up their home or businesses with purple lights in support, and share with others why they advocate and support. They are always in need of volunteers and donations of gift cards or cash as many victims arrive with just the clothes on their backs.
If you would like to learn more about Anna Marie’s Alliance or to donate contact them at (320) 251-7203 or visit their website at www.annamaries.org. If you are experiencing a crisis, call their emergency line (320) 253-6900. Thank you Anna Marie’s Alliance for your support of the Cold Spring Area community and the outstanding work you are doing for the local communities!
PICTURED: Nicki Holthaus, Victoria Evens, Charlene Ridlon, Lori Eich, and Kathy Faust.
