AYEAROFRESILIENCY
FROM THE DESK OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DENISE M. BERRY
As we gather here to reflect on the past year and celebrate our collective resiliency, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and pride It is with great pleasure that I share with you the highlights of our journey and the incredible impact we have made together.
Our theme for this year's annual impact report is resiliency, a quality that runs through the very fabric of our organization and the individuals we serve. It is in the face of adversity that our true strength shines, and this past year has certainly put our resilience to the test.
After the world was thrown into chaos by the global pandemic and following economic stressors, Shelterhouse has stood strong. We faced unprecedented challenges head-on, never wavering in our commitment to supporting survivors and ensuring their safety and well-being. Through Shelterhouse Midland Restaurant Week, our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners rallied together, demonstrating unwavering compassion and determination.
While my official final day with Shelterhouse will come in June 2023, I have found myself reflecting on what we have been able to accomplish together and feeling excited to see where Shelterhouse will be in the future. I will be serving as the interim executive director during the search, and have full faith and confidence in our Board finding a leader to continue to bring the mission of Shelterhouse to life.
Throughout this journey, we expanded our services, adapted our programs, and found innovative ways to meet the evolving needs of survivors. We brought the SANE suite inhouse, welcoming a licensed nurse to our team Our counseling team grew, allowing us to provide comprehensive care to even more survivors. And with the help of additional funding, we will now be able to expand our housing programs, providing safe and stable environments for those in need in the years to come.
But our accomplishments extend far beyond the growth of our programs. Shelterhouse has become a beacon of hope, recognized as one of the leading victim service provider agencies in our state. Our policies, procedures, and practices have set the standard for others to follow, and our unwavering commitment to survivor-centered care has garnered prestigious awards and accolades.
Resilience is not just about surviving; it's about thriving. It's about embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. And that is exactly what we have done. We have taken every setback and turned it into a stepping stone, propelling us forward with renewed determination and purpose.
The heart and soul of our resiliency stems from the incredible individuals who make up our community. To the survivors who have shown immense courage and strength on their healing journeys, we salute you. To our staff, volunteers, and supporters, thank you for your unwavering dedication and unwavering belief in the power of resilience. Without your tireless efforts and generous support, none of this would be possible.
As we look to the future, we are filled with optimism and excitement. The challenges our community faces may be daunting, but we know that together, we can overcome anything. Shelterhouse will continue to be a sanctuary of hope, healing, and empowerment for survivors. We will keep pushing boundaries, setting new standards, and inspiring change.
I invite you to delve into the pages of this annual impact report, where you will find inspiring stories of resilience, remarkable achievements, and the unwavering spirit of our community. Together, we are building a future where every survivor can find safety, support, and the opportunity to thrive.
helterhouse community. Your support has made or each and every one of you.
Services
We empower survivors of all ages, abilities, and genders to achieve whole-person healing.
24/7 Crisis Phone and Text Line
Shelter
Basic needs assistance
Medical forensic examinations
Group therapy
Overcoming socioeconomic disparities
Individual counseling
Help navigating the legal system and court advocacy
Temporary supportive housing
Permanent supportive housing
Mental & physical health guidance
Mentorship
Access to new opportunities
Child support for clients while receiving services
Parental support
Pet assistance for clients
Community education & awareness
Transformative systems change throughout our community
Our Emergency Shelter
In addition to our Crisis Line services, we also continue to extend a warm welcome to survivors at our shelter, providing them with a safe and supportive environment to work on their healing journey As a pet-friendly shelter, we frequently accommodate survivors who have pets, ranging from cats and dogs to hamsters and bunnies Survivors can focus on their recovery, knowing that their entire family, including their beloved pets, are safe and well-supported.
7,641
57
49
67 safe nights provided adults served children served Pets served in shelter
The next generation of social workers
Working with interns is of utmost importance to Shelterhouse, and last year we had the privilege of hosting a total of 30 college interns. Our partnerships extended to three neighboring schools: Central Michigan University, Saginaw Valley State University, and Delta College.
Our interns had the opportunity to learn and gain firsthand experience in all aspects of Shelterhouse's operations This included working at the crisis desk, participating in housing programs, engaging in court services, providing counseling, co-facilitating group sessions, and assisting clients in various capacities. Their involvement with our organization allowed them to delve into the diverse range of services we offer.
The collaboration with these students and educational institutions holds immense value for our agency Not only do we provide them with invaluable exposure to working with individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, but we also gain fresh ideas and perspectives from their contributions. It is through this symbiotic relationship that we continue to grow and improve our services to better serve our community.
Phone calls and text messages
At the end of last year, we introduced a new feature to our Crisis Line services: web chat and text chat options for survivors seeking help, support, and resources. With Resource Connect, survivors now have the option to engage in a "silent conversation" with our advocates through their computers or via text messaging This resource has been highly appreciated by survivors as it allows them to reach out for assistance from any computer, including public computers at libraries, or through text, ensuring their conversation remains private and unheard by others.
the crisis hotline
crisis hotline calls, text messages, and webchats answered
376
4,681 instances of supporting survivors with safety planning
Furthermore, this feature greatly enhances accessibility for survivors, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing During our testing phase, we observed positive results in serving survivors who are non-native English speakers, as translation services are easily accessible not only during calls but also through the web and text platforms. We have a language translation service available 24/7, which can be utilized for phone calls or in-person meetings This enables us to provide services to survivors in their preferred language and truly meet them where they are
Transitional Supportive Housing
In the past year, Shelterhouse has made a significant impact by serving survivors through supportive housing programs across five counties Our dedicated team ensures that survivors in these programs receive ongoing advocacy and support to establish a safe and stable living environment for themselves and their families. We believe in working hand in hand with our clients, tailoring our assistance to meet their individual needs and desires From assisting with relocation and furnishing their new homes with essentials like furniture, dishes, and linens, to helping survivors navigate community resources for groceries, transportation, and employment, our advocates are there every step of the way
Through our supportive housing programs, clients have experienced increased independence and empowerment. They have taken charge of maintaining their lawns and even created beautiful healing gardens that have become a source of admiration among their neighbors. Our staff has provided support during maintenance work in their housing units to ensure the survivors feel safe. We understand that tasks we may often take for granted can pose significant challenges for survivors to accomplish without the support of the Shelterhouse team
By offering comprehensive support and guidance, we strive to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of survivors, empowering them to rebuild and thrive
16 adults served children served
This year, our counseling program witnessed a remarkable increase in the range of group offerings, catering to the diverse needs of Shelterhouse clients One standout program that experienced significant growth is the Trauma Recovery Empowerment Model (TREM) groups. This extensively reviewed curriculum plays a pivotal role in fostering healthy relationships, self-awareness, and understanding the profound impacts of trauma. To accommodate our client's schedules, we successfully provided multiple time slots and days for these sessions
We also introduced a specialized group tailored specifically to teenage girls called Voices Over the course of 12 weeks, Voices focuses on nurturing self-esteem, fostering selfworth, and cultivating healthy relationships This initiative empowers young girls to navigate their formative years with resilience and confidence
Our commitment to providing safe spaces for marginalized communities remains unwavering. The Intersections group continues to serve as a haven for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, offering vital support, fostering mutual assistance, and facilitating the healing process for those who have experienced trauma This bi-weekly gathering includes dedicated groups for both teenagers and adults, ensuring that everyone finds the support they need
Looking ahead to the upcoming year, we are thrilled to share that the aforementioned groups will remain an integral part of our comprehensive counseling services. The Body + Mind Connection, a group launched just at the end of the year, carried out an insightful focus group, exploring innovative methods to promote healing and support for survivors. Through this initiative, we continuously strive to enhance our ability to address the complex interplay between the physical and psychological aspects of well-being We also launched another new group focused on male survivors of violence, run by a male counselor, for men to come together and heal in community Additionally, we are actively planning to introduce new groups designed specifically for adolescent boys and girls in their journey toward recovery.
At our core, we firmly believe in the transformative power of group therapy. By fostering a supportive environment, these group sessions provide solace, encouragement, and inspiration to countless individuals Together, we can reach out and positively impact the lives of many
What Shelterhouse clients, , are saying survivors
“I am validated, I feel safe here when talking I'm not disrespected I have a lot of support.”
- Shelterhouse Client,
Survivor
“They helped build myself back up from the crisis situation I was in. Helped me gain more confidence with myself. Helped me gain more knowledge on my parenting skills. Always hands on with myself and kids”
- Shelterhouse Client, Survivor
94%
have more knowledge of healthy relationships
93%
feel they are better able to achieve their personal goals
“I am safe. Safe and have my pets. Group has done great things for my ability to speak to people I am able to throw all my resources at the issues I face and don't have to worry about where I'll end up ”
- Shelterhouse Client, Survivor
”I feel seen and heard, and feel like I have someone advocating for my best interests when I need it most.”
- Shelterhouse Client, Survivor
Would strongly recommend Shelterhouse's services to a friend 100%
The Shelterhouse Resale Shop & Outlet reopened fully this year, expanding its hours of operation and donations to better serve the community Achieving $350,000 in sales, the shop sold 125,694 items, benefiting 28,829 community members and clients. With our loyalty program, 848 cards were redeemed, saving customers over $8,400 on already discounted prices
We introduced reloadable gift cards, replacing paper vouchers, for a more convenient and sustainable service Our Poshmark page showcased designer clothing and popular items, benefiting clients. Our first annual Christmas in July sale attracted 395 customers.
During Midland Neighboring Week, a meet and greet event allowed community members to engage with counselors and advocates to learn about Shelterhouse's services We collaborated with the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to provide vocational rehabilitation training to exceptional volunteers In-store volunteer numbers increased, welcoming back longtime friends after a temporary halt in volunteering.
Despite challenges, we celebrated successes and brainstormed new ways to engage the community and customers amidst an uncertain economic climate items sold
$350,000
Over 125,694 in sales
Where your purchases benefit than your style. more
The Healing the Hurt Award recognizes an individual or group of individuals who have made outstanding contributions in addressing the difficult issues of domestic and sexual violence in our community.
The United Church of Christ has been a supporter of the Shelterhouse for several decades Prior to the move to the new location they remodeled a family bedroom This was done twice as it was needed again after some damage was done This was beyond buying materials and giving funds. Members removed flooring, built bedding spaces, and repaired the living space Members could be seen in many shifts for a couple weeks creating a safe space for families This past year, they learned that families moving into shelter needed pajamas, underwear, and other items They created the “Comfy Cozy Drive ” There are many ways the members of the UCC support Shelterhouse Some have been spotted planting flowers where clients and community members check in and some have been spotted at community events such as Restaurant Week.
Jennifer Ochab, Victim’s Advocate with the Gladwin County Prosecutor’s Office, is helpful, kind, efficient, and eager to help victims of crime. Her commitment to survivors is unwavering, and she often advocates for their voices to be heard. She works hard to make victims feel heard and respected and comfortable as possible She ensures that victims of sexual assault and domestic violence understand their rights and makes sure their statements get to the judge and prosecutor before any court proceedings.
Jennifer chairs the Blueprint for Safety Program in Gladwin County and has worked for years to bring various community partners together to help make
sure the systems that exist to support sexual assault survivors are navigable and survivorcentered Her work has helped ease the path toward safety for victims of domestic and sexual violence, and to create a safer community Jennifer treats the victims she works for with extreme dignity and empathy She does all she can to not only help them feel safer, but also to become safer in their homes and community.
Andrew Ault
Alan Getzin
Alvin Zimmerman Jr
Andres Suarez
Anirban Ghose
Arthur C Frock
Bill D Betts
Bill Lauderbach
Bill Schuette
Bo Miller
Brian Pfeiffer
Brian Sieg
Bruce Kanuch
Carl Lovell
Chris Kok
Christopher Schalk
Clifford Block
Dan Duke
Daniel Confer
Daniel Waltz
Dave Kepler
David Parrillo
Deborah Poupard
Dennis Buckler
Dennis Hurley
Dick & Sue Clemmer
Diego Donoso
Donald Blasy
Donald J. Baublitz
Douglas Jackson
Edwin Foote
Edward Lunt
Rob Vallentine, 100 Men and More Champion
Elisabeth Jozwiak
Fredric Buchholz
Gary Elza
George A Currie
Gregg Zank
Heather Murphy
Howard Ungerleider
J Dee Brooks
James Reif
Jeff Wagner
Jim Borin
Jim Fitterling
Jim Looker
John Shaffer
John Walter
Jonathan Wreford
Jon Lynch
Josh Eastman
Karl Ieuter
Kathleen McCreedy
Kevin Kendrick
Lance Lewis
Lawrence Levy
Leonard Lawry
Linda Yoder
Louis Carsten
Manuella Papadopoulos
Mark Bone
Martin McGuire
Martin Severance
Matthew Ivan
Michael Bruzewski
Michael Gavin
Mike Erickson
Mike Giltrop
Mike Hayes
Myron Greene
Nancy L Barker
Patrick Hengesbach
Paul Fancey
Paul Witt
Pedro Figueroa
Richard Dolinski
Richard Peterson
Richard Williams
Rick Ohle
Rob Mortensen
Rob Vallentine
Robert Genovese
Robert Lane
Robert Mckellar
Roger Stowell
Ralph Brozzo
Ruth Maxwell
Scott Haines
Sean Clark
Steven Poole
Thomas Adams
Thomas Hudak
Thomas H. Lane
Thomas Trombley
Vicki Walter
Wallace Mayton
"Amazing, transformative, empowering things happen at Shelterhouse (where every survivor is welcome, safe, and accepted)."
our full potenti
years, domes
needs of sur
Participating Restaurants
Aviator Cookie Company
Basil Thai Bistro
Café Zinc
Cinnamon Indian Cuisine
Clarence's Smokehouse
Decker's Sports Bar
Egyptian Koshery
Good to Go Deli Food Truck
Gratzi Midland
Great Lakes Ice Cream Co
Grove Tea Lounge
Live Oak Coffeehouse
Maru Sushi & Grill
Meal Prep Proz
Midland Brewing Company
Mi Element Grains & Grounds
Molasses Smokehouse & Bar
ONe eighteen
Pizza Baker
Proper Taco
Qdoba Mexican Eats
Shier's Deli & Catering
Stranded Yarn & Coffee
Taco Universe
The Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe
The Taste of Midland
Three Bridges Distillery & Taproom
$5,000+ $3,000+
Cafe Zinc Midland Brewing Company, LLC
Gavin & Associates
Tri-Star Trust Bank
$1,500+
The Dow Chemical Company Foundation Mary Currie
Cinthia Gregorio
$1,000+
Robert Monica MyMichigan Health
Vicki Walter Horizon Bank
Kay Crawford Lake Trust Credit Union Foundation
David and Helena Devore Isabella Bank
First United Methodist Church Midland Ford-Lincoln, INC
Bob Dostal Fisher Contracting
Mary Ann Dostal Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
Three Rivers Corporation Wildfire Credit Union
SYM Financial Advisors
$500+
Ace Hardware & Sports Southwind Restaurants, LLC Bierlein Companies, Inc
Daniel Confer David Walton Spence Brothers
Sandra Donoso Decker's Sports Bar Blasy Electric, Inc.
Live Oak Coffeehouse Cynthia Schuette Yeo & Yeo, P.C.
Ann Ward Building Blocks Childcare & Preschool Bill G Schuette
Mi Element Grains & Grounds Rebecca Tanis Great Lakes Safety Training Center
Molasses Smokehouse + Bar
Eldon Enger Kate Communications LLC
Meal Prep Proz Kara Nic Servinski Sod Service
CPI Fluid Engineering 1st State Bank
Taco Universe Maru Sushi & Grill Stranded Yarn And Coffee
Aviator Cookie Company Yvonne Hall Pizza Baker, LLC
Three Bridges Distillery and Taproom Senior Services
Chris Bjornson Good to Go of Midland LLC
Robert Hobohm Cinnamon Indian Cuisine
Mary Jane McIntee
Sharon Morris
702 Bar
Beatriz Virginia TorresLopez Shier's Deli & Catering Harbron Electric
Donald Boys
Todd & Julie Rivard
Rod Coleman New Hope Community Church Of Midland
Leroy Harrison IV
Amy Beasley Janis Duke
Proper Taco Shawn Decker
Dick & Sue Clemmer
Marc Purtell
Matt Morden
Perry Holmon
Melvin Collins Rick & Ann Fraser
Karen Whited
Diana Dalton
Paul Witt
Alan Getzin
John Shaffer
Matthew Metcalf
Patrick McElgunn S Preston Jones
Donna Babcock
Phyllis Johnson
The Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe
Alpha Chi Omega Foundation
Samuel Baker
Michelle Dittenber
Jesse Morton
Glen Glawe
Tim Jasin
Irvin Potts
Richard Shadrach
Pam Elkins
Vern Fauver
Claudia Brown
Letitia Scribner
Basil Thai Bistro
Sally Schmidt
Stuart Bender
Deborah Poupard
Nick Minardi
Dirk Dagenais
Patricia McDonald Benny & Kathy Baker
Cheryl Myers
Mike McGuire
Bonnie Dellar
Scott Haines
Dan Showalter Malicoat Law, PLC
$300+ $200+ $100+ $1+
Angela Buske
Karen Pritchard
Frank McEwan
Clyde Babcock
Robert J Dotson Deana Beckham
David Evans
Douglas Jackson
Gordon Stryker
Paul Fancey
Mark Horness Tim & Sandra Angus
Patricia Tuck
Blanche Stark
Rachel Zimmerman
Nancy Richey
Catherine Strong
Cynthia Kinnear
Roger Stowell Anonymous
Andrew Finn
Wallace Mayton
Betty Morrison
Terry Wilczek
Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works
Susan Close
Emily Shaw
Nicole Mercier
Renee Castellon
Kellie Bos
Cheryl Owen
Mary E Roberts
Samantha Rice
Denise Berry
Aileen Sajweski
Rebecca Barber
Sandy Zondlak
$20,338 Transportation (less Fundraising)
Professional Fees Depreciation Fundraising Other (less Fundraising)
$17,064 $169,701 $171,495 $19,642 $14,961 $3,024,890
Thank You.
As we reflect on the year that has passed, we are filled with immense gratitude for the incredible community that surrounds us This annual impact report is a testament to the resiliency of survivors we have witnessed and the hope that continues to emerge from challenging circumstances. We are grateful for the unwavering support we have received, enabling us to provide a safe haven for those in need.
Our admiration knows no bounds for the bravery displayed by the individuals we serve. Their courage inspires us to embrace the present moment and strive for a brighter future Time and time again, survivors prove that healing is possible and there is hope for a better future.
As we gaze toward tomorrow, we envision a community that cultivates the right to self-determination, safety, and a life free from violence. With your continued support, we are confident in our ability to make a lasting impact. Thank you for standing by our side, and helping us continue to serve, heal, and empower
ShelterhouseispartiallyfundedthroughtheMichigan DomesticandSexualViolencePreventionandTreatmentBoard (MDSVPTB),bytheDepartmentofCommunityHealth(Crime VictimsServicesCommission-theVictimsofCrimeAct Grant),andtheUnitedWaysofMidlandandGladwincounties