Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter

  Is just exactly that. A place where battered people can come to escape violence in the home. We area Non- Profit organization so volunteers are always welcome,as are donations (monetary and others).In 2001-2002 We provided over 607 people with shelter and handled more than 1,000 crisis calls. In 2001 we increased our Legal and children's advocacy programs by making these full time positions within the operation. Our staff receives training every 6 months. As the shelter grows we would like to add other Programs to our roster but, we can not do this without your help. So please donate, whether it be monetary or time YOU ARE APPRECIATED!

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Company Management
Linda Rutherford has served as Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter for many years and is our execuive director.

Marcy Ruby; Marcy has been the the assistant director for over 11 years

Mark Soulard; Mark is the Grant Administrator and IT manager (Computer Guy)

Board Member

Facts
We provided over 607 people with shelter
Handled more than 1,000 crisis calls per year
Staff receives training every 6 months
Non- Profit organization 501 (c) 3
We Serve Guadalupe, Gonzales, Karnes and Wilson Counties

GVFVS History
Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation established on September 1, 1983 to provide an array of services for victims of family violence and sexual assault in Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes and Wilson counties. The major source of income is funding by the Texas Department of Human Services (HHSC). Funding the first year of operation was $39,000.00. The staff for several years consisted of a director, a house manager and a host of community volunteers. A leased two bedroom frame house provided shelter and services for 629 victims in 1984. In 1985 a former nursing home was purchased to serve as a permanent shelter. The following year, through the generosity of the community, the debt on the shelter and property was retired. Funding through the Department of Human Services has increased through the years along with grants and local funding. The program is administered by a board of 11 members.

Nine full time staff members are employed which consists of an Executive Director, Legal Advocate, Social Worker, Assistant Director, Caseworker, Volunteer Coordinator / Grant Administrator, Children Advocate / Social Worker, and Cranny Manager. We also have four part-time support staff members which cover weekday evenings and weekends.

The GVFVS, Inc. is in it's 23rd year of serving victims of family violence. Since its inception, the shelter has centered its focus upon provision of respite for battered women and their children. With year ending August 31, 2002 ( the end of our fiscal year), there have been over 1100 hotline calls handled in the last year. Shelter staff provide service 24 hours per day 356 day per week, We are funded to provide services to residents of Guadalupe, Gonzales, Karnes and Wilson counties and if a victims meets our criteria and shows a need to relocate to our area, we will help anybody from any area. Volunteer assistance is critical to the program survival and volunteers are the backbone of this shelter.

The shelter operates a thrift store; "The Cranny". It is located at 113 North River Street in downtown Seguin. The Cranny is operated by a managers,3 staff members and many volunteers. All merchandise sold at The Cranny consists of donations made by the community. The Cranny provides clothing, furniture and other household items for shelter clients (victims) after leaving the shelter for separate housing on their own. 100% of all profits from The Cranny go to the shelter for direct services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

GVFVS Philosophy Statement
Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter, Inc. is committed to providing services to victims of family violence(domestic), sexual assault and Elder abuse. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, physical handicap, age, religion or sexual orientation. Our belief in the dignity and uniqueness of the individual provides the framework on which we base our intervention efforts.

Our programs are designed to begin where the client is emotionally, physically, and mentally. While our foremost concern is that of ensuring physical safety, we seek to maintain a supportive atmosphere wherein the victims are able to obtain information, explore options and ultimately make their own choices (self advocacy). Our efforts are directed at providing a responsible, holistic approach which equips the victims with expanded problem solving skills, a heightened sense of self esteem and a knowledge of alternative to living with violence.

We recognize the importance of educating the citizens of the communities we serve about the tragedy and scope of family violence. We understand and accept the responsibility for raising consciousness on the public level as well as with law enforcement and criminal justice personnel who join with us in attempting to intervene effectively and humanely in circumstances of family violence.

We understand that the scope of family violence transcends our local community. We seek to cooperate with sister shelters and with the Texas Council on Family Violence.
We are committed to joining our voices and efforts with those on the state and notional level that advocate that violence will end when oppression ends.