September 2018 | 57
What is the mission of Shelter House?
We provide shelter, intervention,
and primary prevention programs to
the community through education,
awareness, and advocating for social
change.
How long has Shelter House been
around?
Shelter House was founded in 1985,
so we have been around for over thirty
years in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
What sort of staff does Shelter House
have? Are there volunteers?
Shelter House has a staff of nearly
thirty. We operate a 24-hour domestic
violence hotline, a 24-hour sexual
assault helpline, seven counseling and
support service facilities including
an emergency shelter. We also utilize
hundreds of volunteers each year to fulfill our mission and they
do everything from direct service to fundraising and lawn care.
How is Shelter House funded?
As a state-certified domestic violence center and state-certified
sexual assault center, we receive funding from various state and
federal sources to assist in providing our core services. However,
we rely heavily on the community to provide over $400,000 in
monetary support each year just to fill in the gaps. We are lucky
to have the generous support of individuals and businesses that
are aligned with our mission.
What is the most rewarding part of your involvement with
the organization?
Every day, knowing that our team helps people receive the
tools they need to save themselves is truly something special.
When you watch someone make it to the other side and have
hope again... that’s what makes my heart full.
How did you become involved with Shelter House?
I first started working with Shelter House in 2009 as the
Financial Manager, but remained involved with the organization
as a volunteer and presenter even after taking an opportunity
with Northwest Florida State College. Coming back as the
Executive Director in 2015 has truly been a
dream come true. I love coming to work every
day and look forward to many more years
of partnership with our community to serve
survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Is Shelter House involved in any upcoming
events?
As a charity recipient of Destin Charity Wine
Auction, Shelter House will be participating in
the Harvest Wine & Food Festival on October
25-27. Our annual signature fundraising events,
Palate and Palette and Purses with a Purpose,
will take place in January and March of 2019,
respectfully.
What is one thing you want readers to know
about Shelter House?
That all Shelter House services are free, and
all services are confidential. We are here to
support survivors in any way we can, to believe
survivors stories, and support their recovery. We provide a safe
and non-judgmental environment to everyone that walks through
our doors.
How can someone become involved or help the
organization?
We are always eager to partner with our community, whether
through professional partnerships, volunteerism, donations or
event fundraising. Email volunteer@shelterhousenwfl.or or
giving@shelterhousenwfl.org or call 850.243.1201 for more
information.
Interview with Rosalyn Iovieno, Executive Director
Shelter House
mission STATEMENT: “Supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence by
providing shelter, intervention and primary prevention programs to the
community through education, awareness and advocating for social change.”
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