WomenShelter of Long Beach stressed the grave importance and need for the center’s education and outreach program at a housewarming party to commemorate their move to Bixby Knolls Friday.
Since 1977, WSLB has assisted thousands of families in need of safe and supportive care.
“The mission of WSLB is to eliminate domestic violence through compassionate intervention, education and personal empowerment,” Tatiana Dorman, associate director of development & community relations, said.
The event of some 150 people included audience members such as City Attorney Charles Parkin, Councilwoman Suzie Price, former democratic member of the California State Assembly Bonnie Lowenthal and Police Chief Robert Luna, as well as community partners, residents, supporters and other elected officials.
WSLB also provides services to both male and youth victims of domestic violence.
According to its records, services were provided to over 2,000 adults and 2,000 youth through both their outreach education prevention program and emergency shelter in 2015.
“Our goal is to reach the clients’ needs, whether that is acquiring safer housing, an education or job skills,” Dorman said.
At any given time, WSLB provides services to over 100 struggling adult clients, providing shelter, access to further education and legal advocates that inform the individual who in many cases is unaware in regards to the numerous legal remedies that are available to them.
With a $1.4 million operating budget, being a non-profit organization is not easy as there are always funding issues, Dorman said. She said 50-64 percent of all funding comes through the state and federal government and the rest from grants, donations and corporate sponsorships.
Advertisement – (Story continues below.)
Despite financial shortcomings, WSLB continues spreading awareness throughout the Long Beach community, not only to those experiencing domestic violence, but also for those who may know someone in that very same situation.
“Speak up,” Dorman said. “Be active and an advocate.”
WSLB says its objective is to empower clients to become self-sufficient.
In doing so, clients are able to identify and recognize the difference between a healthy relationship and a malevolent one, love and respect and healthy boundaries.
WSLB presentations, which come with materials, education, tips and tools, are free and available to anyone.
WSLB will be hosting its 2016 annual fundraiser at the Hyatt Centric in Long Beach May 21 from 6:30-10 p.m.
For further information, call (562) 437-7233 Ext. 27 or visit the WSLB website at www.womenshelterlb.org.