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Survivor Story: When a Friend Isn’t a Friend

When my boyfriend became physically abusive, I knew I had to get out. I confided in my best friend, and he became part of my safety plan. He encouraged me to leave and offered me a place to stay. After a particularly bad fight one night, I took him up on his offer and moved in.

I was there less than a week when I woke up to him raping me in the middle of the night. I didn’t know what to do. This had been the one place I felt safe to go. Not only was I now living with my so-called friend, but I worked with him, too.

He violated my trust. He violated my body.

The next morning, I was in the parking lot at Shelter House waiting when the first employee arrived. That day marked the beginning of a long journey of healing.

Over the next several months, I worked with the staff at Shelter House, receiving counseling for domestic violence and sexual violence. They helped me work through my next steps. I waited for my “friend” to go to work then went back to pack my bags and moved in with a girlfriend. I quit my job so I wouldn’t have to see him every day.

After more than two years, I am finally starting to feel like myself again and even volunteer with Shelter House. They helped me when I needed it most.

Jenna*

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Purses with a Purpose to Benefit Shelter House

(MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla.) February 14, 2017 – Purses with a Purpose, the annual sale and auction of new and gently used handbags to benefit Shelter House, returns to Grand Boulevard March 24-25, 2017. Whether you favor a tote, satchel, clutch or hobo, you can find it at Purses with a Purpose. This signature Shelter House event, now in its seventh year, has become a must-attend annual shopping experience for ladies across the Emerald Coast.

Shoppers at Purses with a Purpose have the opportunity to select from hundreds of new and gently used purses up for sale or auction. Handbags from designers including Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach and more will be available for purchase.

This year’s event kicks off with an opening party on Friday, March 24 in the corner storefront next to Altar’d State at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Attendees will enjoy appetizers from Grimaldi’s, refreshments by Timber Creek Distillery in the lounge and wines donated by Mike and Valerie Thompson of Thompson 31Fifty Wines. B-Boy Productions will provide a DJ and photo booth. A purse fashion show featuring hair and makeup by Pin Up Girls Hair Studio will top off the evening. Doors open at 6 p.m. for general admission. VIP tickets get you in at 5:30 p.m. for first pick of the purses and a specialty cocktail. General admission tickets are $15, and VIP tickets are $25 in advance. Tickets purchased at the door are $20 for general admission and $30 for VIP.

Purses with a Purpose reopens on Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with deep discounts on remaining merchandise, plus muffins, mimosas and free admission. For more information and to purchase advance tickets, visit www.shelterhousenwfl.org.

Since its inception, Purses with a Purpose has raised more than $73,000 to support Shelter House’s critical services for domestic and sexual violence survivors. Shelter House accepts donations of new and gently used handbags throughout the year. For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Shelter House at sponsors@shelterhousenwfl.org.

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Palate & Palette Brings in Almost $18,000 for Shelter House

(SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla.) February 10, 2017 – Art and food lovers packed the Tack Room at Arnett’s Gulfside Ranch in Santa Rosa Beach for Shelter House’s newest signature fundraising event, Palate & Palette: Five-Course Wine Dinner and Live Painting. In just a few hours, the event brought in close to $18,000 to benefit the domestic and sexual violence center.

The first-time event offered a unique blend of art, food and music and sold out well in advance. “It was so encouraging to see 120 people come out to support Shelter House and our mission,” said Rosalyn Iovieno, Shelter House executive director. “All of the services we provide are free to survivors, and events like Palate & Palette not only bring in critical funds but also raise awareness about what we do and the need in this community.”

The event kicked off with a Bourbon and Brews Hour featuring local craft beer and spirits by Grayton Beer Company and Timber Creek Distillery. Attendees were then treated to an indulgent five-course dinner by the Emerald Coast’s best chefs. The featured chefs were Nikhil Abuvala of Roux 30A, Tim Creehan of Cuvee 30A and Destin Ice Market 30A, John Engle of The Gulf Okaloosa Island, Jack McGuckin of Bijoux and Dan Pettis of Fuel Restaurant and One20: A Modern Bistro. Each course was perfectly paired with wines from Krutz Family Cellars of Sonoma County, California.

While guests dined, New Orleans-based artist Jon Moody, whose work has been seen on the hit television show “Empire” as well as recognized by the White House, created a stunning piece of art in front of the audience.

“Shelter House helps people grow, and I wanted this piece to be about empowerment, energy, growth and love,” said Moody. “I always try to become the piece a little bit and work to evoke love and great energy all the time.”

At the end of the evening, Chris Camp of Luxury Estates Auction Company led an exciting live auction for Moody’s one-of-a-kind creation. The winning bid was $4,500 by Shelter House board president Calvin Jones.

Dion Moniz, president of Palate & Palette’s premier sponsor, Emerald Coast Title Services, said, “Shelter House is a great organization, and we didn’t have to think twice about supporting them and this event.”

Special thanks to RSVP Events for event décor, B-Boy Productions for DJ services, STM Photography for videography, Tre’ Cole for photography and all chefs, restaurants and beverage sponsors.

Shelter House’s other signature event, Purses with a Purpose, is scheduled for March 24-25 at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. More information on this event can be found on the Shelter House Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ShelterHouseNWFL.

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Brunch and Bowl Fosters Friendly Competition While Raising $6,000+ for Shelter House

(DESTIN, Fla.) February 9, 2017 – Teams from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the OCSO Sheriff’s Star Charities were among the competitors who turned out for Shelter House’s inaugural Brunch and Bowl at Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill at Destin Commons.

“Shelter House works closely with both the Walton and Okaloosa sheriff’s offices, and it was great fun to bring both out for a more lighthearted occasion,” said Shelter House Executive Director Rosalyn Iovieno. “We appreciate all of the businesses and organizations that put together teams to show their support for the critical work Shelter House does in this community.”

The family-friendly fundraiser brought in more than $6,000 for the domestic and sexual violence center and included an indulgent breakfast buffet, unlimited bowling, silent auction and DJ services from B-Boy Productions.

In addition to law enforcement, competing teams were Century 21 Blue Marlin, ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Paul Hughes Family Foundation, Wine and Wenches, Vieno Investments Agency (VI-A), Wesley McGrail & Wesley and RLI.

Shelter House will host its next signature event, Purses with a Purpose, in the new event space at 560 Grand Boulevard at Sandestin on March 24 and 25. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

 

OCSO Sheriff’s Star Charities team
Walton County Sheriff’s Office team
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Social Media Scavenger Hunt Brings Positive Message to Teens

(DESTIN, Fla.) February 9, 2017 – Shelter House and Project Respect kicked off Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month by hosting Quest 4 Respect, a social media scavenger hunt for teens. Dozens of young people dashed around Destin Commons last Friday snapping pictures on Instagram. The pictures were based on clues that carried messages about healthy relationships and warning signs for unsafe relationships.

“Nearly 1.5 million high school students are physically abused by a dating partner each year in the U.S. Add in those who are emotionally and verbally abused, and the numbers are staggering,” said Rosalyn Iovieno, Shelter House executive director. “It is happening here, and we want teens to know how to identify red flags early in the relationship before the abuse begins.”

Adrian Hamilton, a sophomore at Fort Walton Beach High School, was the first to complete the scavenger hunt and won a prize pack that included a Destin Commons gift card, passes to Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill and a Shelter House t-shirt. All other teens that completed the scavenger hunt were entered into a drawing for additional prizes.

All Quest 4 Respect attendees received a Dating Bill of Rights wallet card and glow jewelry. DJ 30A contributed to the party-like atmosphere by spinning tunes throughout the event.

Follow Project Respect and Shelter House on Facebook and Instagram for more information on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and future events.

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Social Media Scavenger Hunt to Educate Teens on Healthy Relationships

(DESTIN, Fla.) January 23, 2017 – One in 10 high school students has been hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. As we recognize Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February, Shelter House and Project Respect present a fun new event that will teach local teens about healthy relationships and warning signs for unsafe relationships.

Quest 4 Respect is a social media scavenger hunt starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 3 at Destin Commons. Cards with clues will take teens on an Instagram scavenger hunt throughout the shopping center where they will snap pictures for a chance to win prizes. Teens that finish the scavenger hunt will be entered to win a big prize pack with numerous items donated by Destin Commons restaurants and retailers. The party continues until 8 p.m. with DJ 30A, a photo booth, glow sticks and more.

“Many parents don’t realize it, but teen dating violence does happen right here in our community,” said Shelter House Executive Director Rosalyn Iovieno. “Shelter House and Project Respect work to educate teens about red flags in relationships and stopping the cycle of violence before it even starts. It is our hope that the positive messages teens receive at Quest 4 Respect will set them up for success in future healthy relationships.”

Quest 4 Respect is a free event for all teens. Pre-registration is not required. More information can be found on the Project Respect Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ProjectRespectOW.