United for Service: Hagar’s Heart, JustServe team up

“You are seen, worthy and loved” is the message of Hagar’s Heart, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting, educating and empowering domestic violence survivors through self-care initiatives and programs. 

In honor of 9/11, Hagar’s Heart and JustServe teamed up to ensure shelters are equipped to meet the needs of survivors. Arlington residents generously donated supplies and volunteered their time to assemble self-care kits. Volunteers also took the time to craft heartfelt letters and bracelets, offering comfort and support to those in need.

Hagar’s Heart Board Member Dr. An Wong shared, “Our goal is to help our partners in domestic violence. These self-care kits fulfill our mission. The ‘I See You’ box is to give back what was taken from survivors. The more we fill, the more we can give.”

Jennifer Jones, founder and executive director of Hagar’s Heart began the organization in May of 2020.

 “I started Hagar’s Heart because when I went through my domestic abuse I thought you had to go to a shelter to be identified as a domestic violence survivor in order to get help,” she said. “There are 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men that go through domestic violence. You do not have to leave your abuser to get help. You’re not alone. When I went through my experience I needed to give myself grace. I needed to give myself time.”

In the short time the organization has been up and running, Hagar’s Heart has served over 6,000 women and Jones is still eager to do more.

“It is amazing what God does,” she said. “The journey is not ended. God still has big plans. I’m just the vessel.”

Members of the community volunteered to help open supplies and man the assembly line. Donald Bentley III,  president of the UT-Arlington NAACP shared, “I looked up Arlington volunteer opportunities on JustServe.org. This is a fantastic event, nice and local and such a good cause. We were excited to spend time here and to help out.” 

Debbie Davies and her daughters wrote many letters. 

“This service is in commemoration of 9/11, it’s sweet to have a day to show love and appreciation.” she said. “I love getting together with all these groups and doing something for somebody else. Christ was the perfect example of service, so any time we can spend doing for others is always good.”

9/11 is a day to remember the past and shape a better future. A total of 117 volunteers joined the Day of Service to put together 285 “We See You” self-care kits with 4,845 items donated. Together, Hagar’s Heart and JustServe made a difference by serving those in need within our community. 

Visit Hargarsheart.org for weekly volunteer opportunities and to donate.