This year marks a milestone. Twenty years ago, on February 14, 2005, we officially became a nonprofit organization.

We embrace our anniversary falling on Valentine’s Day to celebrate supportive love and healthy relationships. 

“Authentic love is the most powerful expression that genuinely shows those we serve that they are valued and worthy. It is in that love that survivors remember how to love and care for themselves again,” says Darlene, executive director.  

Two decades have passed, but she will always remember a pivotal moment in our early history. Court advocacy and supportive services were already being provided across the service area, but she faced a decision about the emergency shelter. 

“I was standing at the back door of an empty building looking out on 40 acres of rural farmland. Could this be our new home? How will survivors stay connected with other community service organizations? Can we engage supporters from this country location?”  

“Feelings of safety warmed my heart as the sun lowered in the sky. As day transitioned to night, I imagined a small group of survivors talking on the back porch, looking out to the fields where their children were playing and laughing.”  

Before the sun dipped below the horizon, she had clarity. This property should become a safe home for survivors and our new headquarters.

In the years to come, partners from near and far would help imagine opportunities for the beautiful land to foster healing. More than 65,000 adults and children have been supported during the past 20 years, including 4,600 who found safety at the shelter.

“Our mission holds thousands of stories of celebration, fear, loss, and possibility—most with happy endings and many still being told.”