KELSEYVILLE ? Approximately 150 people shared in the opening of the Freedom House domestic violence shelter last Friday. The vision met fruition Monday as the first families moved in.
The former Venture Inn, 5350 Main St. in Kelseyville, is the new home to victims of domestic violence and their children.
“The families moved in on Monday. After the gate was shut, you could tell it was home for them already,” Rae Eby-Carl, senior deputy director and shelter manager said. “Kids were racing around on Big Wheels. It was a wonderful sound. It will be a memory that will be with me forever.”
The shelter is capable of housing up to 40 people. It is close to medical services, schools and parks.
The address of the shelter is not confidential in order that an awareness exists for community members and neighbors to call authorities should suspicious people or behaviors take place around the secure facility. The identities of residents of Freedom House are strictly confidential.
“This method is extremely successful in other rural areas,” Gloria Flaherty, Executive Director of Lake Family Resource Center said.
The administrative offices are on-site. Other programs including parenting courses and counseling are offered at the location as well.
“This has been a dream for at least 10 years. Lake County magic happened and this dream has come true,” Flaherty said.
“There are just so many people who made this happen.”
For Flaherty it means that children will have a chance for a fresh start and a safe life.
Freedom House Donors include: Lakeport Rotary, Snite Foundation, County of Lake, Kitty Williams, Lake County Foundation, Emergency Housing Assistance Program, Priest Family Fund, Barbara LaForge Memorial & Gail Salituri, Sleep Shop ? Ukiah, Griffin”s Furniture Clearlake, Interact Club of Kelseyville High School, Trowel & Trellis, Lakeport Kiwanis, Paul & Barbara Breunig, John Van Eck, Alex Mendoza, Kelseyville Lumber, Mendo Mill, UCC Rentals, Hilltop Recovery Services, many wonderful volunteers and anonymous donors.
Room sponsors include: United Christian Parish, Rotary Club of Kelseyville Sunrise, Seventh-Day Adventist Church of Lakeport, Lake County Women”s Caucus, Lakeport Women”s Civic Club, People Services and friends.
As of right now there are two rooms that have yet to be adopted.
Additionally two groups of Freedom House Angels help whenever asked. Examples of assistance include, hygiene products and transportation assistance with bus or airline tickets.
There is a group of community volunteers who prepare move-in kits from community donations. Kits contain bedroom items, bathroom items, kitchen items, linens and other necessities. These items are packaged, labeled and ready for when shelter participants move into new housing.
The Freedom House wish list includes: five plumber”s helpers, two large cleaning caddies, two commercial mops, two large dust mops, a rolling laundry cart, 14 large laundry baskets, 10 pillows, 10 blankets, 16 bath mats, eight shower mats, 14 kitchen towels, four kitchen scrubbers, two bread machines, a countertop mixer, two large crock pots, two four-slice toasters, four picnic tables with umbrellas, 16 outside chairs, a portable crib, three potty training chairs, children”s step stools, two high chairs, a carpet cleaner, leaf blower, weed cutter, wheelbarrow, motion lights, 48 plastic cups, eight bird feeders, cookware, pots, pans, utensils, stainless tableware, bikes, helmets, laundry soap, fabric softener, bleach, window cleaner, trash bags, liquid dish washing soap, dishwasher soap, cleanser, paper towels, minor bobcat work in driveway by gate, load of gravel, dirt to level back yard, sod for back yard, 6- and 8- foot galvanized stock troughs for planters, lavender, rosemary, other drought tolerant landscape plants, flower seeds, climbing roses, blackberries/raspberries, 260 keystones donated & installed, garden soil, compost, vegetable plants, dwarf fruit trees, camo for propane tank, room-size or half room-size rugs, landscaping needs and assistance is needed to build kennels and dog houses for family pets.
Most importantly the Freedom House needs new volunteers. To sign up now for the June class call Rae Eby-Carl at 279-0563 ext. 103
All volunteers must undergo a criminal background check and participate in a 40-hour training program.
Mandy Feder can be reached at mandyfeder@yahoo.com or call directly 263-5636 ext. 32.
