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Family Life Center
24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 386-437-3505 or 1-800-500-1119
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Diana's Desk
A Note from our Executive Director
Dear Friends:
The year 2007 marked the 20th anniversary of the Family Life Center, domestic/sexual violence center and emergency shelter in Flagler County, Florida. Together we have seen the power of partnerships behind countless efforts and accomplishments that make our neighbors’ lives, our community and our state safer, stronger and happier.
Last year, our domestic/sexual violence center continued to provide core services such as crisis counseling, advocacy/support, safety planning, court advocacy and emergency housing in an effort to assist survivors with escaping and healing from the violence. Each year of the Family Life Center’s history marks a milestone as we move toward our goal of ending domestic/sexual violence. Our center has worked tirelessly this past year to ensure the safety of survivors and their children. It has been the cornerstone of our work, and the center’s ability to provide the warmth, attention, resources and encouragement all survivors need to improve their lives.
This year has been a roller coaster of highs and lows for the Family Life Center. The highs have included wonderful volunteers and Board members who have worked tirelessly to make a difference for men, women who are abused and their children. Our Board recognizes that without our caring, dedicated staff, the Family Life Center wouldn’t be the Family Life Center. One out-going Board member, Dr, Jim Schreffler stated after 6 years of services, “It was my pleasure to serve on the Board and to be part of such a fine organization – thanks to you and the dedicated staff. May 2007 be a year of good health, much happiness and continued success for those you hold dear to you and love.”
The highs come from letters and cards…
One woman sent us a card after being in the emergency shelter, “Thank you very much… you really made a difference in our lives. Our family had a great Christmas. We Thank You so much for your help. It gave us great encouragement to continue on together and help each other. Continue your great work and thanks again for everything – you have saved our lives.”
A High School volunteer writes, “Dear Ms. Christen: I would like to thank you very much for allowing me to do community service at your spot.”
“Family Life Center, God has blessed us this year. Please use this check to help women and children in need. God Bless.” From a Flagler County citizen and friend.
An Outreach Program Participant writes, “The Family Life Center, Thank you for the food basket that you provided to us during this difficult time. We appreciate your kindness!”
From the Reverend Gillard S. Glover, “To Our Church Family and Friends, You are our every day angels for you heard the call and rallied to the needs of our brothers and sisters….”
On evaluations after a Rape Risk Reduction Presentation at Flagler Palm Coast High school students wrote, “It was an overall good lesson… I think that most of the kids in my class learned a lot…. I learned where to get help….Thank you for taking the time to come here and present to us about sexual assault and rape. I know more about my surroundings now and what to do…”
Letters like these remind us that we are saving lives…. That is all the encouragement we need to keep doing this life-saving work.
Then, there are the lows that occur when we read in the newspaper recently about a women gunned down by her boyfriend.
Dealing with unstable funding is a constant low. The Family Life Center already operates on an extremely tight budget. When we lose funding – we must end services to abused women and children who depend on us for their safety and help. This up-coming year, we will need everyone’s help to sustain our services.
I would like to close by thanking the DEDICATED Staff – past and current - of the Family Life Center. Without their hard work and diligent efforts, we could not have accomplished the gains we have experienced in the last 20 years. Our center provided emergency shelter and services to thousands of survivors in the past two decades. As thousands more will come through our doors in the near future and seek assistance to flee the violence in their homes, we must be ready to serve.
With your continued support, our future is bright! More importantly the survivors of violence can find hope and refuge in our care. I extend my heartfelt thank you to each of you who work closely with us every day. No matter how small or larger – your involvement does and has made a difference. By working together, we can achieve results that no one can accomplish alone.
Thank you for partnering with us.
Sincerely,
Diana Christen
Executive Director Family Life Center
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Administration Phone: 386-437-7610
Outreach Office Phone: 386-437-7747
Fax 386-437-1243
Mailing Address PO Box 2058 Bunnell, FL 32110
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