By Shana Robertson | Community Relations Director
Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center has accomplished Phase 1; building acquisition! We 'dropped anchor' on July 1, 2024 and purchased the building that we have been leasing space in since 2005. The timing of this milestone aligns with our 19th anniversary celebration in providing excellent supportive services to survivors of sexual violence in our community! It all started with $500, one program, one office space and a whole lot of faith. Founded by two courageous survivors of sexual violence, Fair Haven has transitioned into becoming the first stand-alone rape crisis center in the state of Indiana that provides free advocacy services and education to three counties in Northwest Indiana.
We have begun Phase 2; building renovations. The agency's vision is to create a caring, safe and nurturing community with zero tolerance for violence. We want to be a safe port in the storm for survivors of sexual violence. People are our priority; clients and staff. Safety upgrades to the current structure has been a key element in our discussions for renovations and are a work in progress as the space continues to transform. We are now investing in cosmetic changes that create a nurturing environment that is functional for empowerment. Upon purchasing the building 2 months ago, the building has undergone great transformation already. Adding more of the builiding's square footage to our operation, has greatly impacted our capacity for doing more good work!
We have OPENED THE DOORS to the trades, community stakeholders and volunteers. These groups have been coming in and have painted and carpeted almost every room, moved offices and created program spaces, built desks and storage solutions, and offered connections to help us gain more momentum. Connections and inspired community members have shown up in many unexpected ways. We have items from our wishlist being purchased by donors and being mailed to our facility. We have private citizens showing up to powerwash our exterior or mending stairs. Many community groups have offered special fundraiser opportunities, volunteers or promotional awareness.
Hosting our first Business After Hours Social event for our local Crossroads Regional Chamber members, gave us an opportunity to showcase our work and highlight the gaps in funding or resources for survivors and our services. We were able to give tours to professionals and many questions were asked and many opportunities of collaboration were offered.
Honored to be selected as the Charity of Choice by the Nipsco Gives Back team, we were surprised to receive an army of volunteers to work on so many projects inside and outside of the building. This was the largest group of volunteers we have ever had! The timing of this couldn't have been any better. The majority of the painting projects have been completed and the furniture built, so every part of the building needed some TLC. Having our local energy company support our efforts in this capacity inspired us to make even more connections.
We are ALMOST THERE! $373,150.00 left to raise to finish Phase 2 and begin Phase 3; building the Portside Suites stabilization housing.
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