Congressman Cleaver Fights for Domestic Abuse Survivors

Sep 26, 2012 Issues: Community, Health
Congressman Cleaver Fights for Domestic Abuse Survivors

 

Kansas City – Missouri Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II, today announced a half-million dollar federal grant for Hope House in Independence.

“Congressman Cleaver is currently serving his 4th term in Washington – while always making sure he never forgets the people he is representing here at home,” said Hope House CEO MaryAnne Metheny.

Metheny spoke at a news conference, telling those in the audience, that these funds will be used to continue the Civil Legal Program for the next three years. It is a program that serves hundreds of local domestic abuse survivors each year.

“It allows survivors to access the services they need but don’t have financial resources to get,” said attorney Mary Weir. “Without these professionals to assist them, they may go for an order of protection, for instance, and lose in court. This often results in them going back home. These can be life and death situations, and a program like this is a game changer.”

Congressman Cleaver was thanked by Hope House leaders, board members and employees, for being, ‘a fierce supporter of local women – and for always having their backs’.

The Congressman pledged to continue doing all he can for those who are trying to get out of abusive situations that are threatening their lives … and the lives of their children.

Hope House, the largest domestic services agency in Missouri, services form a safety net of prevention, education and support for more than 10,000 victims of abuse every year. Residential and outreach services are provided through two secure locations in Independence and Lee’s Summit, MO.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar, Missouri. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee. Congressman Cleaver also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus and Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.