Artemis Center

The Artemis Center is a domestic violence shelter and advocacy group located in downtown Dayton on West Monument. I have actually been there on a few occasions to drop off donations.

The Artemis Center was founded in June 1985, largely staffed by volunteers. The founders sought to provide women and children fleeing domestic violence with a safe area as well as guidance and support in getting away from their abusers. A significant part of this involves guidance through the legal system. In addition, they do great work in educating not only survivors but also the general public about domestic violence and its impacts on families, individuals and society. In addition, the center offers children's therapy, support groups for survivors as well as a 24-hour hotline. The overall goal of Artemis isn't to "save" women from domestic violence, rather it is to give power back to survivors to make their own choices to get themselves and their children to safety.

They also do fundraisers and community engagement throughout the year with Girls Gone Riding each September, a cycling event near the University of Dayton.

I've dropped off donations there on a few occasions and it was a little bit intimidating, especially the first time. I was there to drop off some much-needed pantry supplies though I had no idea what to expect. It is not in any way marked as the Artemis Center from the street. Unless you already knew what you were looking for, you would not know what this place is until you are literally standing at the front door. As you might imagine, there are some security measures in place. There is a very conspicuous camera, and you speak to a staff person through an intercom. The first time, someone came down on an elevator to accept my donations. She was quite young, maybe 21-22 and I explained my feelings about being there to her, that I didn't belong in a place like that. She said something I won't soon forget, "The people who come here need to see that not all men are monsters."

This is a terrific local organization that provides life-saving help and support to those in need right here in the Dayton area.

Sources:
http://artemiscenter.org/about.php
http://artemiscenter.org/services.php
My own recollection