The Daily Times

With a $17,000 commitment for a first house back in 1982, Haven House, Blount County’s domestic violence shelter for women and children, has gone on to serve thousands of families in crisis in its 30-year existence.

On Thursday, the people who have put in the heart, hands and financial support to help these victims of abuse were welcomed to a celebration of the successes that span three decades. Haven House held a breakfast at Something Savory Bakery and Cafe.

Past and present donors, volunteers, United Way and others came together to look back on what’s been accomplished and look ahead to the work that’s still needed.

Valerie Day, executive director for Haven House, said the emergency shelter was initially started by the Blount County Ecumenical Action Council. Honey and Lamar Alexander, she said, raised the first $17,000 to purchase that first house, and from there this community has done its part to make sure domestic violence victims have a safe place to go.

Need still there

“The fact we have been here for 30 years is a double-edged sword,” Day said. “We would like to be put out of business but that can’t happen as long as there is domestic violence. Until we get those numbers down, we will still be here.”

Day said statistics in Blount County show that one in three families is affected by domestic abuse. “That is going to be your neighbors, the people you go to church with, and the people in classrooms and next to you at work.”

Haven House relies on state funding as well as money from United Way, but a majority of its services are available thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses and churches. Day said last year, Haven House was able to provide shelter and support services to 400 families in Blount County. When she looks at the size of this community, she said that is probably only scratching the surface of a very real problem.

Ken Cooper has been president of the board for a little over two years and retired here five years ago.

Commitment pays off

It didn’t take him long to see firsthand that Blount County works well together. He said he was impressed with the work Haven House does from the moment he walked in the door the very first time.

“I am very thankful for what happened 30 years ago,” he said. “There are a lot of people who did a lot of work and had a vision. There has been a lot of sweat and tears to get it where it is today.”

Cooper said there is a research project going on right now that will determine the financial cost of domestic violence in Blount County. “I think we will all take a gulp when we see it.”

There was a special guest in attendance Thursday. Jean Myers, who served as the very first shelter program manager at Haven House, was honored by Day and the others. She said she worked at the shelter for about three years and it moved three times during her stint.

Myers said there were indeed lean times for the shelter financially. She is grateful that this community saw value in it and has made sure the support is there.

A look back, forward

Haven House staff took the opportunity Thursday morning to let its supporters know how much they are appreciated but to also look ahead in 2012 to see what projects and programs are on the horizon. From the My Funny Valentine dinner and dance to the Shopping for Change holiday fundraiser and new scholarship program, Day said eyes are definitely focused on the future.

And just like the tentacles of domestic violence reach far and wide, so, too, does Haven House.

“Haven House is not only the lead agency in domestic violence, but it also takes a lead role in the local homeless coalition,” she said. “Our victims are typically the largest percentage of the homeless population.”

People like Melina Politte, a court advocate for victims of domestic abuse, work alongside Haven House to ensure the victims do have a support system when they enter the courtroom to face their abusers. “That’s the scary part,” she said. “Facing your abuser alone.”

She said Blount County’s judicial system is a model for the state when it comes to dealing with both the victims and the abusers.

All of these community leaders said through education and awareness, domestic violence is not swept under the rug like it once was. In matters of life and death, the community realizes it must take action.

“Victims are learning they do not have to tolerate it, and we as a community no longer tolerate it happening around us,” Day said.

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