No One Should Go Hungry While Escaping Violence

8/12/2025

DeTar Steps Up with $5,500 Donation to Keep Meals on the Table at Mid-Coast Family Services Crisis Center

When recent FEMA funding changes eliminated the food budget for the Mid-Coast Family Services Crisis Center, DeTar Healthcare System stepped in with immediate support — donating $5,500 to ensure residents have nutritious meals through the end of 2025.

Each year, more than 250 adults and children find safety at the Crisis Center after escaping family violence. During their stay, victims and their children receive shelter in their 39-bed emergency facility, as well as transportation, clothing, hygiene items, counseling and — thanks to a full-time kitchen manager — three healthy meals a day. In 2024 alone, the Crisis Center served 36,348 meals, at an average cost of just $2.88 per meal, planned and prepared in accordance with health department guidelines and residents’ dietary needs.

The recent FEMA funding change placed this lifeline in jeopardy. Without immediate intervention, the shelter faced the possibility of not being able to provide daily meals — a devastating blow to families already enduring trauma. “We could not stand by and let a funding shortfall jeopardize something as basic — and essential — as food for survivors who have already endured so much,” said Bernard Leger, CEO of DeTar Healthcare System. “These families deserve safety, dignity, and the assurance that their next meal is not in question.”

Family violence impacts people across all income levels, but those living in poverty or under financial control by an abuser face the greatest hurdles. Family violence is the leading cause of homelessness among women with children, often forcing mothers into an impossible choice: remain in an abusive relationship or face the uncertainty of homelessness.

“This donation ensures that we can continue to feed residents through the end of the year without interruption,” said Ginny Stafford, CEO of Mid-Coast Family Services. “The support from DeTar Healthcare System means we can keep our focus where it belongs — on helping survivors heal and rebuild. We hope others in the community will follow their example.”

How You Can Help

The Crisis Center’s need will continue into 2026. Community members, businesses and organizations can make a difference by donating directly to Mid-Coast Family Services. Contributions help cover food costs and other essentials for survivors. Donations can be made at https://midcoastfamily.org/services/mid-coast-crisis-center/ or by calling (361) 575-7842.

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