Transitional housing helps transform families

FARMINGTON (Davis County Clipper) — Transitional housing can be a portal to a new life for women and children who were previously abused.

That’s the intention of the 10-apartment facility and program at Safe Harbor Domestic Violence Shelter.

For program manager Kelsie Strong, it’s a long way from running a Bountiful consignment shop about four years ago.

That was a “pit stop” after 10 years working for the state and six years for Davis County, she told the Davis County Community of Promise group recently.

It was a desire to get involved that drew Strong to contact Safe Harbor, where she initially worked as a case manager.

“It could be a grandmother, or it could be a mother,” she said of someone who is abused. “He says he loves me, needs me. He says it won’t happen again,” are comments those being abused are often told to keep them from making any kind of a change, or a break.

“Life can be better,” Strong emphasized for those involved in such abusive relationships.

Transitional housing is a second step after a woman and her children go to the shelter for immediate help and protection.

The shelter provides safe and secure housing, food, clothing and household goods, crisis-support services for adults and children. It also provides aid with housing, employment, social and medical services, counseling and education about domestic violence. There is also life-skills training and support groups, she said.

Original Article