DOERS OF GOOD: Advocates Against Family Violence

For Realtors® and staff at Coldwell Banker Tomlinson, November means more than the start of the holiday season. For the past 29 years, this month has also meant an opportunity to participate in the company's annual Turkey Tuesday, a fun bowling tournament and fundraiser for a local charity or nonprofit. Past recipients have included food pantries, children's foster programs, and animal rescues. Coming together to serve is a cornerstone in CBT's foundation.

We are proud this year to support Advocates Against Family Violence (AAFV) and our November Doer of Good, CBT Realtor® Johnel Nunes. As a volunteer and financial contributor for over five years, Johnel was introduced to the organization by her son Nathan, who was serving as a board member.

"I believe there is such a profound need for women and children to have a safe place to go in their times of need," says Johnel. "Too many women stay in abusive situations because they have no safe place to go."

Indeed, in 2020, in Ada County alone, there were over 5,500 calls to 911 related to domestic abuse, sexual assault, and child abuse. (Stats from Ada County Sheriff's Office, 2021.) AAFV works to eliminate domestic abuse by helping individuals make positive life changes through counseling, adult and teen outreach, court advocacy, affordable housing, emergency shelter services, and community involvement. Help is available in Ada and Canyon Counties, as well as throughout other parts of the state.

Johnel explains, "There are many women who have transferred from an emergency shelter into homes, giving them new opportunities, not only to grow as a family, but to grow as independent individuals."

AAFV is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), supported by grants, foundations, and individuals who have invested in their mission. Individuals are welcome to learn more about Advocates Against Family Violence and ways to help by visiting their website, www.aafvhope.org, or by joining them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. They are happy to have those interested attend AAFV In Action to learn more.

"We all go through storms in our lives," Johnel says, "and sometimes we just need the support to muster the strength it takes to heal and prevail."

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Check back in at the end of the month for some photos of our Turkey Tuesday event and to find out how much we've raised for AAFV so far!

Join us in celebrating our Doers of Good by getting involved in one of the programs we will spotlight over the next several months or tell us in the comments below about what lights your fire when it comes to making our communities better.