- What languages do you speak?
- English, Arabic, and Spanish. We have some assistance with Bangali, Farsi and Urdu.
- What are the areas you serve?
- The majority of our growing user base is located in Central Florida – specifically in Lake, Orange, Seminole, and Volusia counties.
- We are currently expanding to South Florida – specifically in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties.
- Our long term goal is to expand nationally.
- What’s up with the name?
- Purple is the color that represents domestic violence. We often hear of the saying, « it takes a village ». We took it a step further in that it takes much more, it takes a forest.
- Each community is a forest, comprising of various neighborhoods made of various people from all walks of life. Each person represents a leaf of a tree. Just as a leaves are vital for the success of a tree, the well being of the individual is vital for communities to flourish and grow. Our goal is to help you turn a new leaf.
- Are you a religious group or organization?
- As an organization, we represent everyone whether you are Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Red, Orange, and so on.
- What sets you apart from other domestic violence organizations?
- We first found a need in the Middle Eastern and Arab communities. Even though 60% of Arab-Americans are Christian, culturally they do not differ from their Muslims counterparts. We also understand that the majority of American Muslims are not Arab. We have the cultural awareness and resources to understand and effectively educate and communicate with these communities.
- What are some of your goals?
- Our first and foremost initiative is to educate these and other ethnic communities. It is important that those in need receive the education and help they need.
- There is a growing and urgent need for shelters with the cultural sensitivity of these populations in mind. This lack in sensitivity and fear often hinders those in need of assistance, getting the help they need.