The Campaign for RESPOND, Inc.

What is RESPOND's mission?

Since its founding in 1974, RESPOND has been dedicated to helping women and their children secure lives free from domestic violence.

The agency provides supportive services to thousands each year throughout Greater Boston and beyond—at no charge. RESPOND offers multilingual, 24-hour intake and telephone referral services and operates a safe emergency shelter for women and their children, including those with teenage boys. To help women and their families get back on their feet, RESPOND offers individual and group counseling and court advocacy, and provides educational outreach to the larger community to prevent domestic violence.

RESPOND's secure shelter offers victims a place to stay as they begin the healing process and search for more permanent housing. Unfortunately, the demand for shelter and protection exceeds the supply—especially now.

Why does RESPOND need capital?

Safe, secure and welcoming shelter space is at a premium in Greater Boston. The RESPOND shelter is always full.

Last year, approximately 5,500 women and families were turned away from domestic violence shelters in Massachusetts due to lack of space. RESPOND is unable to accommodate 90 percent of women requesting shelter each month.

Until 2004, RESPOND owned a shelter that housed up to 11 individuals. The facility was in need of extensive, costly repairs, and the board of directors made the decision to sell the building and use the proceeds to purchase a larger shelter and thereby serve more families. A planning study verified community support of the initiative, and RESPOND has launched a capital campaign to expand the agency's capabilities to protect families and better meet the needs of the community. On an interim basis, RESPOND has leased space to continue to serve families who have been victims of domestic violence.

A larger building was purchased in 2005 and is currently undergoing extensive renovations. With your help, the new shelter will offer:

• Eight sun-filled bedrooms for up to 22 women and children
• Staff sleeping space to provide 24-hour on-site support
• Shared living room, dining room, and kitchen facilities
• Two private counseling offices
• Computers with internet access for technology training
• Program and meeting space
• Handicapped accessibility
• Indoor and outdoor play areas for children

Each family will continue to receive the highly personalized attention they need to reduce the trauma of what is likely one of the most difficult times in their lives. With your support, RESPOND will provide comprehensive programming that will help twice as many residents heal from the trauma of violence and take steps towards living, working and learning in the community.

What is the goal?

The goal is $2.5 million for new shelter and building renovations. This amount includes a $500,000 operating reserve to ensure the shelter's long-term stability.

How can you help?

So far, $2 million has been raised thanks to generous individual donors, federal, state, municipal and foundation grants, and the proceeds from the sale of the old shelter. Your contribution will help close the $500,000 funding gap to make this initiative a reality.

Help us build a better place for families. There are so many ways to make a gift to this campaign. You donation can be in the name of a loved one. You can name a bedroom or the garden space. You can make a pledge and pay your gift over a three year period. We're happy to work with you to come up with a way that benefits you as it supports RESPOND and the families we serve.