There are many teens in the county that are in need of help, whether that is emotional, physical or financial help. The clients that are at Altrusa Teen Share need more than that, they need a home to live in, and the staff that monitor them also need a safe area to live within the homes.

Recently, members of the Home Depot team came together to provide some needed handy work for the Teen Share homes, located in Coldwater. Over 100 hours were donated to one of the homes between three employees at Home Depot. CJ Apel, George Becker, and Henry Rockey were among the handymen that volunteered their time, energy, and skills to put a new kitchen in the Resident Aide unit. Over $500 in material was donated by Home Depot for the project.

Ryan Flanagan, manager at Home Depot said, “Thanks to the Branch County Coalition of Domestic Violence for the opportunity to help out in this important project. We look forward to completing more community projects like this is in the future.” Flanagan will also be supporting the organization by walking in women’s high heels for the Shelter’s upcoming fundraiser “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” being held on April 30th.

There are two Altrusa Teen Share homes and each house has the capacity to house 6 girls or boys, for a total of 12 clients in all. Clients at Altrusa Teen Share are provided with case management to assist them with advocacy, life skills, violence prevention skills, and accessing public assistance all while learning independence. Clients must be attending school to qualify for the program.

Teen Share was first developed and financed by the Altrusa Club of Branch County but in 2006, moved under the umbrella of the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The program is funded through grants but monetary and in-kind donations are always needed.

Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (BCCADV), is headquartered at 220 N. Michigan Ave., 517. 278.SAFE, and can be reached 24 hours a day.