Earlier this month on Regional Radio, we highlighted one of the top reasons families will come to Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County seeking assistance.

Andrea Kocher - Director of Services at Willow Tree Missions - says while the top reason folks come to Willow Tree is legal advocacy and navigating the legal system, some of the other reasons can be heartbreaking. Families seeking financial assistance can have needs from paying past due bills to overcoming financial abuse.

A high percentage of domestic abuse victims become homeless and Kocher says many will choose homelessness just to escape their situation.

Kocher reminds that domestic abuse is not always physical, it is a maintaining of power by one individual. She says one of the best ways to avoid falling victim to an abuser is to have a strong support network. 

Willow Tree Missions has also helped people this year with domestic violence education, providing emotional support, and safety planning, and have provided crisis shelter for individuals as well. 

Get more information about Willow Tree Missions at willowtreemissions.org or follow them on Facebook.