Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees.
Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County (DVS) was founded in 1977. The organization provides safety, shelter and support for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. It also collaborates with community partners like Yardi to raise awareness regarding the cause, prevalence, and impact.
“As a society, we all have a role in changing the narrative about what domestic violence is, to whom it happens, how we can support those who are experiencing it and ultimately prevent it entirely,” says Tina Ballue, Director of Development for DVS.
“To be able to support survivors, and to prevent domestic violence in the future, we all need to normalize talking about it openly and candidly.”
DVS’s goals for the year to come include expanding reach through more multicultural and multilingual service provisions, seeking out new transitional and permanent housing opportunities throughout the county, and maximizing federal and state resources to assist clients.
Funding from Yardi is helping DVS to build the capacity to help more clients. In addition, building a volunteer program that will allow DVS to increase awareness and provide preventative education to end domestic violence.
“Our ultimate goal is to have a future free from domestic violence, and this can only happen with the support from community leaders such as Yardi,” shared Ballue.
24-hour assistance available
DVS has a 24-hour support hotline which has been an asset to many of its clients. One mother was especially grateful for it and Domestic Violence Solutions.
“DVS gave me the tools to fight and be a survivor to stand strong and confront the situation with authority and confidence. They helped me with my self-esteem. I got to meet new friends that supported each other through the transition,” the survivor stated.
“Thanks to DVS, I now have an apartment I can afford and feel safe with my children, our car and a great job. My son will graduate in June, and he is safe now. My daughter sees a strong mother who will do everything she can for her children.”
She spoke about how the support she received has changed her outlook on herself and on the need for resources like DVS.
“I’m not ashamed anymore. I feel worthy and willing to receive help. Not only do they help where they can, they also place their lives in danger for us. I’m very grateful and blessed to have been a client.”
Volunteer Opportunities
“We need to change the conversation around domestic violence, and we need your help to do it,” shared Ballue.
Domestic Violence Solutions is working to rebuild its volunteer program after the pandemic and begin training to expand services. There are many unique opportunities available at DVS, from volunteering with clients to participating on organizational committees.
For more information, please visit their website.
This article originally appeared on The Balance Sheet.
