1. 10/14/2014 Supporting Survivors with Baked Goods
https://www.360communities.org/index.php/supporting-survivors-baked-goods/ 1/3
Main: 952-985-5300 Lewis House Eagan: 651-452-7288 Lewis House Hastings: 651-437-1291 | info@360communities.org
Previous Next
Supporting Survivors with Baked Goods
By Dawn Will
360 Communities Volunteer
Most Thursdays, 8-year-old Samantha (Sammy) and 6-year-old Carson Gierke usually end up bickering
about whose turn it was to bring their homemade treats to the front desk at 360 Communities Lewis
House in Hastings. “You know how that goes,” said mom Sonya.
Last week’s visit was different. Not only did Sonya forget what day it was—she thought Wednesday was
Thursday—but the kids were a bit somber, too. “They kept asking if this was the last time they’d do this,
too” she said. That’s because they’re moving to North Carolina in early October to be closer to family.
Since moving to Hastings more than four years ago, the Gierkes have baked treats for the Thursday night
Women’s Domestic Violence Support Group meetings. They made muffins, brownies, and other desserts.
They also sometimes decorated the goodies for the holiday. “One time we put fireworks on a cake for
4th of July just for fun,” she said.
“The women who attended the support group always looked forward to what Sonya and her children
brought,” said Ann Averill, Lewis House Hastings Supervisor. “It was always homemade and delicious.”
For Sonya, volunteering at Lewis House has special meaning. “I wanted to do something where the kids
could be involved,” she said. Although
their contact with those at the Lewis
House was minimal, Sonya knew it was
important.
Sonya was introduced to Lewis House
when she started volunteering there
with a group of girls from Woodbury.
They’d clean the shelter and paint the
walls. “We learned a lot about domestic
abuse that way,” she said.
360 Communities Lewis House sexual
and domestic violence shelters in Hastings and in Eagan help more than 3,000 women and children a
year with shelter, counseling, advocacy and more.
Sonya said that her own mom was a victim of domestic violence as well. “I wish she’d gone to a shelter,”
she said. When her own family moved to Hastings she wanted to do more volunteering at the shelter.
Her husband, Jon, was very supportive of this weekly event. “When I was sick, he’d take the kids to bring
the treats,” she said.
Sonya recalled that one of her daughter’s classmates stayed at the Lewis House for a time. “My daughter
was happy to know that she was helping her classmate out,” she said.
Violence Prevention School Success Self-Sufficiency News About Get Involved Donate!
Search ...
Recent Posts
Join the Team: Say NO MORE
Mother Donates Artwork to
Lewis House in Memory of
Daughter
Supporting Survivors with
Baked Goods
The Mary Kay Foundation
Supports Lewis House
Fire & Ice tickets are on sale!
Archives
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014
July 2014
June 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
December 2013
November 2013
December 2012
October 2012
2. 10/14/2014 Supporting Survivors with Baked Goods
https://www.360communities.org/index.php/supporting-survivors-baked-goods/ 2/3
About the Author: 360 Communties
Related Posts
It also gave the kids a chance to learn about domestic abuse and ask questions about it. “They’d ask why
they were there, how long they’d stay and whether or not the kids were allowed to play outside,” she
said. It led to some age-appropriate discussions about the topics.
With the move, Sonya is concerned that no one will continue to bring in treats for the group. “I’m praying
that someone will pick up the ball,” she said.
Regardless what happens with that, Ann recognizes that the Gierke family has made a difference. “Sonya
and her children have made a positive impact on the women and children staying at the Lewis House
and they will be greatly missed!”
By 360 Communties | October 1st, 2014 | Categories: Get Involved, Uncategorized, Violence Prevention | Tags: | Comments Off
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Article Categories
No categories
360 COMMUNITIES
501 East Highway 13, Suite 102
Phone: 952-985-5300
Email: info@360Communities.org
360 COMMUNITIES LEWIS HOUSE
Eagan: Phone 651-452-7288
Hastings: Phone 651-437-1291
SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES
24/7 Hotline
Phone: 651-405-1500
