About Jan's Circle

Jan’s Circle of Friends was founded with the purpose of providing funding for children who have experienced parental loss or are survivors of domestic violence.

There is a great need to provide these children with counseling and a sense of understanding. Their families may not always have the resources or are not equipped to help these children grow into healthy adults – adults who have high self-esteem, adults who understand the importance of trust, who have respect for others and have hope for the future.

According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, one-half to two-thirds of the residents in domestic violence shelters are children. It reports: “On one day in 2007, 13,485 children were living in domestic violence shelters or transitional housing (facilities). Another 5,526 sought services at non-residential programs” (National Network to End Domestic Violence, n.d.)

Children growing up with the loss of a parent suffer emotional pain on a daily basis. Many try to block out this pain by going into their own world; they do poorly in school and have difficulty developing relationships. Many have trouble attaching to someone else for fear of experiencing additional loss. Too many times these children are expected to pick up the pieces of their fractured lives and assimilate into a new and strange world without guidance on how to handle the many challenges they will face.

Jan’s Circle of Friends wants to provide hope for these children. We want to help them build themselves up again, look forward to a bright future and believe in themselves. We want to help them find ways to trust others and build a future that is rich in meaning and purpose. Children are the future of our community; help us invest in their happiness and success as they go through life.