This year’s 2016 Open House was a huge success. Many thanks to everyone in attendance including our guests, staff, and volunteers. Special thank you to our speakers who inspired and demonstrated the importance of what Interval House does for the community and for the women and children fleeing intimate partner violence.
Fazia Mohammed, gave a touching speech where she explained our new BESS (Building Economic Self-Sufficiency) program. She explained how its expansion aims to catch survivors of intimate partner violence who often have a tendency fall through the cracks of the system. The new BESS program works in way where women can enter the program at any point and take whichever workshops they require.
Nada*, a graduate of the BESS program, then spoke to the program’s success and effectiveness. She described her experience with BESS, and how she first arrived without self-confidence or esteem. Coming from an abusive relationship, she felt incapable and worthless. She didn’t feel as though she was employable. This changed through BESS. She found the motivation, confidence, and value in herself. This is exactly the purpose of BESS.
During the event, ongoing tours of the shelter were offered to guests by staff members. To show the people who support Interval House, exactly where their support is going. We look forward to the year ahead, and to the next annual Open House.
*Name changed for client’s protection
