Reflecting on the Recent Year
Dear Friends,
2023 has been a busy year, with lots of new and exciting changes. Together with your support, Beloved Haven had the resources to expand our programs.
The events of 2023 forced Beloved Haven to pivot from our drop-in center program to developing new ways to provide the best possible crisis care and assistance to female survivors who have been affected by sexual exploitation, trafficking, trauma, or are vulnerable to trafficking. In May, we made the tough decision to close the doors to our drop-in center, that was located in Pasquotank County-the center had been in operation for over 4 years. We moved our office back to Currituck County and worked from a temporary space as we repositioned and shifted our focus. Due to the vital work that we do through our GRACE Jail Program, the focus was directed towards developing relationships within Currituck and Dare Detention Centers to expand the program. At the same time there was a tremendous increase in referrals for substance abuse treatments and long-term housing programs.
Fortunately, Beloved Haven has several partnering agencies that can provide the wrap-around services necessary to provide the population we serve with long-term housing that offer individualized support to empower them to build a bridge from trauma to a brighter future.
One of the first steps we took moving back to Currituck County was to find a permanent location where we could meet with clients by appointment and provide support and advocacy.
Your donations made it possible for Beloved Haven to continue to provide high quality care at the office location and through outreach programs, such as GRACE and community training. In addition, food, clothing, housing essentials and transportation.
Additionally, with partnering entities, such as shelters, law enforcement and service providers the North Carolina Eastern Region Human Trafficking Task Force was created. Working together to meet the needs of survivors of human trafficking through the collaborative efforts of compassionate communities across Northeastern North Carolina.
Beloved Haven responded to 24 crisis calls in 2023, which came in through our 24-hour helpline. Out of those 24 calls we were able to provide three women with a safe place and the others we were able to offer resources and guidance.
The mission for the Task Force is to identify and connect victims to trauma-informed programs, policies and resources that promote justice, access and empowerment.
“I’m contacting Beloved Haven this morning to see if you can help me. I am homeless, and as of 11 am this morning I will no longer have a motel room to stay in.”
Your generous support makes it possible for Beloved Haven to stay connected with survivors for years to come. We partner with and learn from other organizations; together we develop programs that transform lives by improving access to safe housing options, resources, counseling, and economic opportunities.
For example, partnering programs that connect survivors with holistic wrap-around, trauma-informed services allow each resident in their care to be productive members of the community-equipping them with a supportive environment to heal from trauma, and discover their worth and find the confidence to dream again.
“I’m just excited to be here. I have always wanted to be comfortable i my situation, no matter what that was, and I love it here. I am thankful that Beloved Haven found me this program. I couldn’t have asked for a better fit.”
Many survivors have benefited from Beloved Haven’s programs. The quote above, from a client has worked with Beloved Haven for many years. She first walked into our Heart & Soul drop-in center six years ago. She continued to pop in and out over the years and our team continued to provide care and support as needed.
Fast forward to 2023, she’s a full-time resident with one of our partnering programs where she is learning life skills, cooking, job skills and educational opportunities as part of the holistic approach to healing and gaining her life back.
We must proceed with our critical programs as long as they are needed. Our staff must be able to deliver outstanding care and guidance to this underserved population for years to come. Furthermore, we will need to implement new ways to serve and partner within the communities to aid in the rebuilding of their lives.
In the time when there is so much need, thank you for remembering and caring about the women who generally are not able to obtain resources by themselves.
With warm blessings,
Tina Pennington- Executive Director