Friends,

This year began our 47^th year of providing domestic violence services in Broward County, and we are so honored to continue to serve as one of the largest and most diversified domestic violence agencies in the nation. As I write this, we are wrapping up the Thanksgiving drive, and it was lovely to have our volunteers back. Thank you to JP Morgan Chase, JM Family Enterprise, UKG, and Valencia Palms.

Thank you to all who donated food and gift cards for Thanksgiving and the families we serve. It was an outstanding success and hundreds of families were able to have wonderful holiday due to your generosity. Watching the survivors on Thanksgiving reminded me how much we must be grateful for.  

That is why I am so proud to make this special announcement to you first. Women In Distress has been awarded an important role for the state of Florida and the 41 domestic violence shelters.

In October, WID won the contract to head up the statewide services of Hotline, Training and Technical Assistance, and the Injunctions for Protection Programs. We are uniquely positioned to deliver these statewide services due to our leadership experience and depth of expertise. We are not doing this alone and have formed a unique partnership with The Spring in Tampa Bay to manage the Injunctions for Protection Program; and CASA in St. Petersburg, to manage Training and Technical Assistance. While Women In Distress will lead this initiative, the basis is a great partnership that was encouraged by the other 41 centers through the Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence (FPEDV). With FPEDV and the collaborative, we are poised to find unique ways to support domestic violence efforts in Florida.

Like many of you, this has been a year of challenges and successes. But it has reminded us of the power of community. If you haven’t seen this year’s Annual Report, I encourage you to go here to see how much your support has helped our community. As our amazing team here at Women In Distress work hard to organize the toys and gifts that fill the halls of our shelter, we again feel the warmth of your support during the holidays. This feeling is shared with the women and children who will have a brighter and safe holiday this year because of you – and there’s no better gift than that. 

A special thank you to those who chose to give to us through their retirement accounts.  An article highlighting that process is contained in this newsletter here.

Finally, on behalf of our board, trustees, staff and the families we have the privilege of serving, thank you for making the holidays especially bright for so many.

We wish you a healthy and happy Holiday Season!

Linda L. Parker, Ph.D.
President and CEO 

David Sobocinski and Women In Distress CEO, Linda Parker

What Is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (formerly known as an IRA Charitable Rollover)?

With the holiday season on us, now is the perfect time to think about the various ways you can donate to Women In Distress and make a huge impact.  At age 70½ and older, the IRS allows you to make  Qualified Charitable Distributions from your IRA, which may be a larger gift than you could normally be able to do. At age 72 the IRS requires you to take a minimum distribution each year, even if you don’t need the income. This additional taxable income may push you into a higher tax bracket and possibly reduce your eligibility for certain tax credits and deductions. A QCD helps you avoid or reduce the impact of the required minimum distribution income.

How to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to Women In Distress.

Women In Distress is a qualified charity and is eligible to receive Qualified Charitable Distributions. Distributions must be made directly to an eligible charity from either a traditional IRA, inherited IRA, inactive Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan, and an inactive Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRAs (these are accounts that no longer receive employer contributions). Your IRA custodian can either send a check directly to Women In Distress or give the check to you to deliver to the charity. Donations must be made by December 31 to count toward this year’s required minimum distribution.

Can a qualified charitable distribution satisfy my required minimum distribution from an IRA?

Yes, your qualified charitable distributions can satisfy all or part the amount of your required minimum distribution from your IRA.

What type of charities can receive a Qualified Charitable Distribution?

According to the tax code, certain charities are not eligible to receive qualified charitable distributions, including donor-advised funds, private foundations, and supporting organizations. Eligible charities include 501(c)(3) organizations like Women In Distress. Donors are also not allowed to benefit from their qualified charitable distribution, so using the funds to take part in a charity event or to sponsor an event would not qualify.

Tax laws are subject to change, so be sure to consult with a tax professional before making your Qualified Charitable Distribution.

Please contact Michael Barron, Director of Major and Planned Gifts, at mbarron@womenindistress.org or 954-760-9800 ext. 1278 for more information on this and other planned giving options.