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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8/29/18   9:52 AM