Despite the various services available to domestic violence survivors, serious gaps exist for those who are chemically dependent. Documented "clean time" and rigorous admissions procedures discourage women from accessing help--or make help unavailable. Ramona's Way was inspired by the life of Ramona, a domestic violence survivor, who was chemically dependent and unable to flee an 18-year abusive relationship.

Due to lack of services, she and her children were trapped in a physically and sexually violent situation. Unfortunately, women in these circumstances are often blamed for the violence that is inflicted upon them because of the abuse of substances, and their options are limited. Her daughter, a childhood survivor, social worker, and domestic violence advocate, founded Ramona's Way to provide options for battered women like her mother.

Community-based support groups, individual crisis counseling, and case management help women confront their unhealthy environments. From sobriety planning to expressive arts (journaling and relaxation techniques help diminish the sense of isolation), Ramona's Way helps them create strategies of escape and prepares them to access additional services.

Along with nine other governmental and nonprofit agencies, Ramona's Way offers care for underserved women at the Domestic Violence Intake Center Southeast (DVICSE) where over 60% of clients who seek temporary restraining orders report the occurrence of drugs and alcohol in their intimate relationships.

Winner of the 2004 Washington Area Women's Foundation Leadership Award, Ramona's Way hopes to create a permanent home that could empower 200 more chemically dependent battered women. You can help makes it happen. The Magi Group strongly believes in the work of Ramona's Way and will provide pro bono strategic planning services to support their efforts to make a difference in these women's lives and strengthen the community we all live in.

To learn more about Ramona's Way, please go to http://www.ramonasway.org/ or see how you may support them at http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org/dc/2005/ramonas_way_5473.htm.