HAVEN Receives Grant from Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence

(PONTIAC, MICH – Nov. 16, 2023) – HAVEN of Oakland County is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of the metro Detroit nonprofits to receive a significant grant with Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. The primary objective of this grant is to enhance services for survivors in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties by strengthening the essential infrastructure required to maintain adequate staffing levels.

This funding will also play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of burnout and vicarious trauma among advocates while simultaneously eliminating barriers for survivors seeking access to vital services.

Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault face numerous challenges when seeking support and assistance. By investing in well-trained and well-supported advocates, HAVEN aims to empower survivors and enhance their ability to access and utilize the services available to them. When survivors encounter experienced advocates who have undergone ongoing training and professional development, they are more likely to feel valued and supported, increasing their confidence in making choices that are best for their unique circumstances.

Chéree Thomas, Deputy Director of the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, expressed her relief and gratitude for the grant award, stating, "We were so relieved to receive this award alongside First Step, HAVEN and Turning Point. During the Covid-19 pandemic, HAVEN experienced a substantial decrease in its ability to fundraise, while the demand for its services increased. As Oakland County’s only comprehensive program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, providing shelter, counseling, advocacy, and educational programming to nearly 30,000 people each year, the award of these funds can go a long way to help HAVEN meet its operating needs, especially given the flexibility of those funds."

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges for nonprofit organizations like HAVEN. While the need for domestic violence and sexual assault services has grown, the pandemic has severely limited the ability of these agencies to engage in traditional fundraising efforts to sustain their operations. This grant from the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence will provide critical funding to ensure that these agencies can continue serving survivors and meeting their needs.

Amanda Barratt, Senior Program Director of the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, emphasized the importance of this grant by stating, "This grant is for capacity building post-COVID in any form you deem appropriate with the exception of First Step, where the expectation is capacity building for Detroit specifically but still in whatever manner makes the most sense. This can include administrative costs, direct client services, training, or simply rent as the agency determines is appropriate."

The grant awards $100,000 to each of the selected programs over 36 months, offering essential support to organizations like HAVEN of Oakland County as they continue their vital work in the community.

HAVEN of Oakland County is deeply committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and this grant will significantly contribute to the organization's ability to provide vital services to those in need.

For more information about HAVEN of Oakland County and its services, please visit haven-oakland.org.

About HAVEN of Oakland County

HAVEN of Oakland County is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating domestic violence and sexual assault in the community. For over 40 years, HAVEN has been providing comprehensive programs and services to survivors, including shelter, counseling, advocacy, and educational programs.