Why Pajamas?

From a practical standpoint
Most women arrive at a shelter with nothing but the clothes on their backs. If they've grabbed anything at all, it's their kids, so on a practical level, they need something to sleep in.

From a psychological standpoint
There's a deeper significance, though. Abused partners have had their free-will, sense of self-worth and the ability to make choices systematically stripped away from them. Even routine acts of everyday life such as being able to shop for things they need or want have usually been denied them. Some haven't had access to a bank account or car in years. Having the liberty to make this small initial decision through picking out something nice for themselves can be the first step toward reclaiming dignity and self-determination. 
 
From an emotional standpoint
Knowing that people in the community care — even ones they’ve never met — helps give victims a sense of belonging and support that aids in recovering and rebuilding their lives. 


​These two letters from Sister Charla in Dubuque, Iowa tell the story best:
"The first night a woman comes to stay with us, we invite her upstairs to what we call Pajama Dreamland to browse and choose a pair of pajamas that fit her best. We explain that by 'fit' we aren't just talking about the size. We mean her dreams and hopes for a new life.

​Today I took a newly arrived victim upstairs to pick out her pair. With eyes sparkling for the first time since walking through our door, she told me that if it were just the fit in terms of size, it would be easy, but considering what we asked she said, 'Suddenly I have so many possibilities. Pajamas with flowers — I can plant my own, and no one will stomp them dead. Pajamas with soft colors — I can dream and know my dreams have a chance. Pajamas with puppies — I've always wanted my own dog, and now I could have one. Pajamas with lace and bows — I'm a woman and maybe I can learn to be proud of that. Pajamas with clouds — I can go to sleep and not be afraid.'

With so many choices, I asked her if one pair would be enough. She said, 'To have one sweet dream is more than anything I have ever known. One is enough.'"
Sister Charla
Executive Director of New Beginnings, Dubuque.
"Recently a former client brought us three new pairs of pajamas. She told us that for her the most precious thing was the pair of pajamas she got that first night here at New Beginnings. She has put that pair in her drawer and wears them only one week a year because she doesn’t want them to wear out too quickly. She wears them on the anniversary of what she calls, 'my first dream.'"

We would never have stumbled on such a good thing for those we serve if it hadn’t been for Helen’s Pajama Party. Please party on!
Sister Charla
Executive Director of New Beginnings, Dubuque
Helen's Pajama Party
402 South Ankeny
​Ankeny, IA 50023
515-244-7706
800-760-7706
EMAIL US
​"Women feel so good when they get a new pair of pajamas when they come into shelter. Usually the days before she gets here are very unpleasant to say the least. I think that any time we can create a sense that someone cares about them by presenting them with something personal such as jammies we have started them on their new journey in a very caring way> Their positive response says it all."
Margaret Sanders — Executive Director of the Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, Sioux City

"Thank you so much for this great project. The women who come to shelter feel so welcomed when we are able to provide them with new pajamas!"
Mary J. Ingham — Executive Director of the Crisis Intervention Service, Mason City

"Thank you so much for collecting PJs for DV shelters so that we may share them with the women who come to stay with us. They are always thrilled and sometimes moved to tears when they are given their brand new pajamas upon arrival at the Phoenix House. Thank you for helping women know they are wonderful and special."
Diane McKee — Program Manager of Phoenix House, Council Bluffs