A Haven for Hope
Not that long ago I found myself sitting on the Board of Directors for no less than five different non-profit organizations, including Haven House in Pasadena. Funny thing, my sitting happened almost overnight. Another funny thing; I had no idea what was expected of Board members.
I’d taken on a program outside of dentistry on the advice of a trusted friend and mentor. And what started out as my opportunity to share time with folks who really needed to get their act together turned out being transformative for yours truly. Shucks, don’t think I’ve been quite the same ever since.
Okay, so maybe you’re thinking I must have hit my head in spin class and woke up as Zen Master JVB? But what really happened is after 20 years or so of talk, I finally went to Italy. And, I joined the Board at Haven House in Pasadena.
And I couldn’t be more proud of my affiliation with Haven House. The folks there committed to the everyday success of the organization are Golden. Not only is Haven House a safe place, it’s a place that saves generations.
Haven House, founded in 1964, is indeed the first shelter for victims of domestic violence established in the United States. And the shelter is the model for all similar organizations that have followed.
Domestic violence is shockingly pervasive in our society; even more so during uncertain economic times. In fact, some 31% of American women report being physically or sexually abused by their husband or boyfriend at some time during their lives. 25% of workplace problems such as absenteeism, low productivity, turnover, and excessive use of medical benefits are due to domestic violence. Boys who witness their father’s violence are ten times more likely to become domestic violence perpetrators.
As I’m writing, the shelter is filled to capacity but Haven House is way more than a hotel for unbelievably courageous Moms and children bold enough to break a generational pattern of fear. Haven House also maintains a Children’s Program, two Outreach Programs, and presents “Domestic Violence in the Workplace” (the presentation really hit home when I discovered members of the TCDC crew had experienced domestic violence.)
In the current economic environment, Haven House and the other 105 shelters in California face some dire challenges; one of which is the Governor’s decision to eliminate all state funding for domestic violence shelters.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference and life seems to always be getting in the way, making a difference for Haven House families could be as transformative for you as it has been for me. A local treasure like Haven House should not only survive, it should continue to lead. And why not be a part of something as fulfilling as saving families and the generations that follow?
If you’d like to help, please contact Haven House at (626) 564 8880. You can also call me at (626) 283 5504.
Please look for an upcoming Haven House event supported by Temple City Dental Care on Saturday morning, September 12. Beautiful Breakthru Fitness will host the event. Breakthru is located at 345 South Lake Ave, Suite 201 (right next to Trader Joe’s.) It would be a great time to learn more about Haven House. Please come by and say hello. You can also take an outdoor spin class for a Haven House donation (I’ll match it.)
