PORT TOWNSEND — Poverty stalks women who are trying to get out of abusive relationships.
Without educational opportunities, penury is the lot in life for many single mothers, says Domestic Violence/Sexual Abuse Program Director Peggy Thompson, who sees the dire prospects facing women who have sought the agency’s help.
“The economic reality of what they’re facing when they leave a relationship is poverty,” Thompson said.
But the new Women in Transition scholarship program could provide economic assistance to Jefferson County women who return to school to improve their lot.
Port Townsend resident Cal Stanny has offered $20,000 to establish an endowment if the community can match his donation by Aug. 31. Pledges will be accepted and count toward the matching amount as long as the donations are paid by Oct. 26.
The program will offer financial assistance to women who are working to overcome major life challenges, such as getting out of an abusive relationship, though they are not limited to that circumstance.
Full details appear in today’s edition of the Peninsula Daily News. Click onto “Subscribe” to have your PDN delivered to your home or office.