Anna Marie’s to Begin Expansion, Hiring More Staff

ST. CLOUD -- A St. Cloud based non-profit is expanding their services to help members of the LGBT and Somali communities, who are victims of domestic violence.

Anna Marie's Alliance is an organization that helps women and children eliminate or escape domestic violence. The organization is expanding it's operations by hiring more staff and expanding its outreach programs.

Director of Development and Communications, Sandy Nadeau says the funding is now available for Anna Marie's to grow and help more women and children.

"We've received grant money from the Office of Justice programs. We've received regular funding to continue on funding the 36 bed shelter that we have in St. Cloud. We also asked for some money to expand some of our programming and we were fortunate enough to receive that funding."

Nadeau says the non-profit will be hiring at least three new positions during the next few weeks.

"We will be hiring a part-time trauma informed specialist, to work with all of our staff and to make everyone more aware of the affects of trauma on victims who deal with domestic violence. We will also be hiring a half-time, women's advocate to work with the Somali or African born population and then we will also hire a half-time person to work with the LGBT population."

The African born advocate and LGBT advocate will be working with residents as an outreach person.

Over 400 women and children come through the shelter every year and Anna Marie's serves nearly 2,000 a year who are not residents.

Nadeau says the expansion is part of an effort to help those who are not residents but are still seeking support.

If you would like to make a donation to Anna Marie's Alliance you can call 320-251-7203 and ask for Sandy Nadeau or go online to the Anna Marie's Alliance website.