Partnering with shelters in Clackamas and Multnomah counties, members of the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP) Local 5017 hosted a Mother’s Day event May 12 for 25 women and 35 children starting new lives free of domestic violence. The project was a joint venture with United Nurses Association of California (UNAC) in honor of National Nurses Week May 7-13.
Following a brunch sponsored by union caterer Spin Catering, mothers were treated to hand massages, gift baskets, and flowers. Local 5017 members helped kids make presents for their mothers.
“As a survivor of abuse, this event was very personal,” said union president Adrienne Enghouse. “We wanted to show support for families who found the courage to leave and start fresh.”
“Besides brightening Mother’s Day weekend for families in crisis in our community, we hope to lift up this serious issue and highlight the way we as healthcare workers lead and serve beyond the bedside,” said vice president Katie Ekstrom.
The union also launched an online fundraiser benefiting Call to Safety, a local crisis hotline offering 24/7 support to over 20,000 callers a year.
OFNHP, an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, represents over 5,500 healthcare professionals in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
