Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) staff accepts a substantial donation of fully-stocked purses from the nonprofit organization Handbags of Hope. Pictured with the more than 125 purses are (from left) Stacey Walsh-Hoobler, WRCNM Therapist and Counseling Services Director; Courtney Graham, WRCNM Administrative Assistant; Christine Stachon, WRCNM Finance Manager; and Jackie and Jeff Bobcean of Handbags of Hope.

Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) received more than 125 fully-stocked purses from Handbags of Hope, a Southeast Michigan nonprofit organization. The donation coincided with Mother’s Day and will benefit survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault at the WRCNM’s Safe Home and in the counseling program.

The purses are helpful to survivors, especially those who have been in highly controlled relationships and may not have a purse, as well as for those who arrive at the Safe Home without personal possessions. Many volunteers helped Handbags of Hope fill the donated purses with items such as a wallet, brush, hand lotion and lip balm. Some bags may even contain pajamas, slippers, gloves or a scarf.

“The handbags, totes and purses help battered women feel empowered, independent and provide the daily necessities some of us take for granted,” said WRCNM Executive Director Gail Kloss. “Some of the purses may even contain a note of encouragement to let survivors know they are not alone. The purses essentially become a ‘handbag of hope’ to survivors.”

Last year the WRCNM provided counseling, support and advocacy to 516 survivors of domestic abuse and 211 survivors of sexual assault. The organization also provided 2,502 total nights of refuge to survivors and their children at the Safe Home, the domestic abuse shelter serving those in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties.

Handbags of Hope founder, Jackie Bobcean said of the donation, “If the handbags we donate make a woman stand a little taller and walk a little prouder, we’ve done our job.”

To learn more about WRCNM programs and services, contact the main office at (231) 347-0067 or visit wrcnm.org.