East Hampton’s The Retreat Taking Part In Allstate Foundation’s Purple Purse Campaign

The Retreat, the East End’s sole domestic violence agency, and Allstate Foundation are coming together to host the Purple Purse campaign, which strives to help those affected by domestic abuse. In 99 percent of domestic abuse cases, victims will experience financial abuse, which means their abusers will deny them access to money that they need to break free. The Retreat is one of more than 220 domestic violence service agencies participating in the 2017 Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge which will run from Monday, October 2 through Tuesday, October 31. This month-long campaign coincides with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which urges the public to support survivors of domestic violence and financial abuse throughout October.

Since 2002, The Retreat has provided financial empowerment services. The “Take Charge!” program teaches individuals how to be ready for a job and financial skills so they can break free and become financially independent. Your participation in the Purple Purse campaign will help raise much-needed funds for the survivors of domestic abuse and Retreat Team Members will be entered to win this year’s Purple Purse – a gorgeous Italian leather bag designed by Serena Williams, a Purple Purse Ambassador.

“The Retreat requests that in honor of domestic violence survivors, show your support during nationally recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month by spreading the word that domestic abuse happens in every community,” remarked Loretta Davis, Executive Director of The Retreat.

Overall, The Retreat hopes to raise $10,000 during the Purple Purse Challenge. To donate, visit www.crowdrise.com.

Domestic abuse affects all communities around the world, regardless of socio-economic background or ethnicity. One in three women will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime. On the East End of Long Island in 2016 alone, The Retreat provided 2,981 counseling sessions, 4,822 nights of safe shelter, took 3,362 hotline calls, and provided 2,559 legal advocacy assists. This is a very real need for our local communities.

Since 2002, The Retreat has provided financial empowerment services. (Courtesy Photo)

The Retreat is a safe-haven for families in crisis in the Hamptons and the East End of Long Island. For more than 30 years, the community-based, not-for-profit agency has provided comprehensive domestic violence services for children and adults, support for survivors, and prevention community education.

The Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge is administered by CrowdRise and is a part of the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse, a public education and fundraising program aimed at raising awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence and financial abuse and the need for resources to help survivors. It is currently in its 13th year and has propelled more than one million survivors on the path to safety. More than $55 million has been donated to empower women to break free from abuse through life-changing financial education, job training, and readiness, and small business programs for survivors.

To sign up to become a Purple Purse Team Member, call 631-329-4398 or visit www.theretreatinc.org.