Supporting the Fight Against Domestic Violence
Creating A Partnership to Help Those in Need
Every month Painting with a Twist Gilbert (PWATG) holds a special event called Painting with a Purpose. We work with a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and donate 50% of the proceeds from the event to the nonprofit.
For the month of October, we have teamed up with Control Alt Delete (CAD), a local organization that helps people escape from domestic violence. Recently, I spoke with the founder, Laura Pahules, and she explained more in detail what her organization is all about.
PWATG: Tell me about your organization and what you do?
CAD: Control Alt Delete is a 100% volunteer run organization that serves as a bridge to those that are trying to escape Domestic Violence. We help all genders and help in all manners of domestic abuse. Regardless if the abuse is physical, emotional, financial, or even religious. To date we have helped facilitate 1037 escapes, and within those escapes there were 2046 children saved.
PWATG: What is a typical day like at Control Alt Delete?
CAD: Every day at CAD we receive requests to help with escapes from a variety of sources. Some of those sources include the prosecutor’s office, victim advocates or even first responders. When we receive a call, we immediately spring into action and find out exactly how we can help. We assist in many ways which include providing gas cards, finding temporary housing, or contacting relatives for the escapee. In the beginning we helped on average 1 escapee per day, but now we average between 10-15 escapees per day.
PWATG: What do you like best about working for Control Alt Delete?
CAD: As a former escapee myself, I felt compelled to help other victims that were silently suffering. My greatest take away is knowing that I am making a difference and providing others the help they desperately need.
PWATG: Why did you want to team up with PWAT Gilbert for this event?
CAD: I had participated in a previous PWAP and the outcome was amazing. Not only was it successful, but it was also a fun event. I like to say that it was fun for a cause.
PWATG: Covid-19 has been at the forefront of the news for the past 6 months. How has Covid-19 affected your organization, and in your view how has this pandemic impacted the people you are trying to help?
CAD: The pandemic has had a huge impact on us. We have seen a substantial increase in calls for help over the past few months. We may not be the largest organization, but we are available 24/7 and to date we have helped 651 self-identified Covid escapees.
PWATG: We would love to get the word out about the work you do, what is the best way for people to reach you?
CAD: You can reach CAD through many channels including Facebook, Instagram, and our direct website.
Website: https://dvcontrolaltdelete.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dv.ctrlaltdel
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dv.ctrlaltdel
PWAT Gilbert is proud to team up with Control Alt Delete. Our Painting with a Purpose event is scheduled for October 10, from 4-6:30pm. There will be an In Studio class with limited seating and a Virtual class to choose from.
Hopefully by working together we can help make a difference.