During 2021, we are celebrating over 40 years of services, programs and successes of an agency that started in 1981 to combat the effects of family violence on women and children. We kicked off the Season of Celebration with a Birthday Bash on June 10th that was an overwhelming success. The night’s events included the top hits from 1981 by Lisa & the E-Lusion Band, birthday greetings from elected officials, collaborative partners, and friends, and the $10,000 drawdown. If you missed the party, stay tuned, we have two other events scheduled in August and October as part of our Season of Celebration.
As we revisit the history of Family Sunshine Center, we see how what’s happening in the world influences growth. FSC opened with a 4-bedroom shelter with services focused primarily on domestic violence. Over time, to reflect the issues facing our community, our program has expanded to include services for sexual assault victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking. The residential program has grown to two safe shelters with 31 beds and a 12-unit apartment complex. Counseling and therapeutic programs are included in our menu of services offered on site and in school systems across the River Region, and legal advocacy ensures survivors don’t have to face abusers or navigate the court system alone.
We continue to grow, and I’m excited to share the establishment of our young professionals group. Change Champions is an auxiliary group established to drive change as an extension of our outreach and development teams. Ideally, Change Champions interact with their peers in the community to support fundraising and promote awareness of the issues and advocacy for the services of the Family Sunshine Center.
In addition, we rolled out A Home for Hope program, bringing together the talents, resources, and skills of Real Estate Professionals in the community to increase their collective power and work for social change. Fostering Hope and Healing is not just our slogan; it is the commitment of each and every member of our team, from our board of directors, to our volunteers, and our staff. We thank you for your commitment to our mission, our clients, and our community!
With gratitude,
Tay Knight
