Someone should really check on the policies, procedures, hiring processes and the people who stay here. They care nothing about those with children. There were grown people getting unclothed in front of minors, uninhabitable living conditions in which the survivors who stay here have to consistently clean up mold and clean up after other people who may be recovering from drugs (homeless people not just DV survivors here), lack of accommodation for food and other personal items without a fight. A lot of bullying ALOT OF BULLYING! workers feel over qualified and better than never experienced DV and lack empathy for those who are staying there treating them like they are in jail or some sort of trouble. No accommodations to help with school or transportation if you’re not “a favorite”. If you are a favorite they will drive you at any time or pay for your Lyft. No amount of speaking up changed anything to help this truly be a safe haven for those who fled from an already unfortunate situation. This place needs to be shut down or re-managed by someone qualified to care for others.
I sent in a large donation and received no acknowledgment in writing ever. For tax purposes it is critical to have a written acknowledgment from a charity to receive a deduction on one's taxes. I tried to call, l but there is no number for the offices. I called the phone number for services and asked them to connect me with the offices, and left word multiple times both for the director and for the person in charge of donations. NOBODY called me back til several months later when I got an apology in a voice mail, but NO LETTER and NO PHONE number to call back. Do not give these people your hard-earned money since they do not even write a letter to acknowledge the donation. I don't give donations for the write off on my taxes, but, I expect a competent charity to take 5 minutes to send a letter to me acknowledging my donation so that I can have this minor benefit of giving thousands of dollars of my hard-earned money. Other charities do this right away. Since those in charge of Harbor House do not take 5 minutes to write a letter, I wonder what else they do not do? I'll never give to them again since they are not trustworthy enough to follow normal practices of acknowledging tax deductible donations by sending a letter of acknowledgment to the donor.
I was happy to work with and launch "Walk A Mile in Her Shoes" in 2013. Happy to see the program continues to grow and thrive.
http://www.watermarkonline.com/2013/06/06/guest-column-a-mile-in-my-shoes/
I admire the work that Harbor House has accomplished in Central Florida. I've personally talked with volunteers and vendors who have nothing but kind words. Fantastic organization!
Harbor House of Central Florida made its mark on me over 2 yrs ago and now I am proud to serve on its board. I feel that what HH is doing for the community is indispensable. HH has great and creative ways to involve and educate the community on DV. With this groom of passionate people it's easy for me to get others involved! Thanks HH for letting me be a part of changing minds and saving lives!!
Love, love, love Harbor House! What a professional and powerful organization. Many don't realize they are more than just a shelter. They cover every facet of a person's path to safety. Phenomenal org!
Harbor House should be your #1 resource if you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship. They have incredible resources that take care of everything from your finances to your children to your pets. I have volunteered there many times and continue to be in awe of their work.
Outstanding organization! I always love volunteering for Harbor House and seeing firsthand the great work they do. Saving survivor's lives each and every day!
I've witnessed Harbor House's dedication and life-saving resources first-hand. After volunteering for several of their events, I've seen the staggering statistics of domestic abuse and the overwhelming support of this organization to put it to an end. Such a powerful and professional non-profit!
Harbor House is the best resource for domestic violence. Although they did not help me with a family member, I got involved after helping a family member. Attended the seminars/events and became a volunteer. Taking the RRR Core class has been the best. The ink pens they distribute have been most helpful as I've given to individuals who told me just having one made them know they could call. I wear my T-Shirts from past events and usually at least 1-2 individuals will tell me their story of family members and/or themselves. Harbor House is a great plan B for many. I have sent at least three people there who had positive experiences and having had the training and been an active volunteer I was able to share with them what to expect. The CEO, I can't say enough about her. I've seen her at the center putting doing all sorts of things and when we have events, door hanging she is out there with us. She just makes you want to do more. She is a hands on and approachable CEO. I introduced her to my son who was helping and she took the time to speak with him and thank him for helping. The one thing is that they don't turn anyone away..even when they are full you will have individuals on cots, etc. but they always have room for one more. I've seen this with my own eyes. Can't say enough. The Paws Kennel is great too as individuals can bring their pets and being a surivor myself my son said that was the hardest part of my leaving that we left our pet..years later I learned it still bother him and wish that I had been able to go to a place like Harbor House. I donate when I can and do "Tear Off Tuesday" putting up information all over in public bathroom. They make getting resources so available. Having become a volunteer I feel empowered to help others as I do know how to "recognize, respond, refer" individuals and feel good about encouraging them to give Harbor House a call. They also have support groups and on going trainings that individuals can attend and they will come to your organization. They are the BEST!!
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I am volunteer with Harbor House and I just learned that my job is ending in a few weeks. My first thought was not that I will not be getting a regular pay check but that I am going to sign up for more volunteer events and hours. I got involved with Harbor House because I was a victim of emotional abuse and later a close family member domestic violence. The emotional abuse lasted longer than the physical but both were life changing. I decided to become an advocate on my own and put together resources. For a few years I just printed off information from the Harbor House website and passed out but as I encountered individuals who needed to contact them speak on issues of what to expect, etc. I decided to volunteer and learn how they really help. It has been the best thing I could do. I volunteer for other agencies but this is one of my favorites. I put the tear off sheets that they make available to put in public places. I had the opportunity to volunteer with childcare at a support group and the joy of knowing a parent is safe but getting help on learning to heal. I am not a professional but felt it was important to help the professional counsel the parents knowing their child was in a safe place. The information that I learned from the Recognize, Respond, Refer class and the CORE Class was the best. My sister who is a resident manager in another state had a case with a tenant that was domestic violence and she did not know how to help her..we were able with the R3 App locate a shelter in the city she was and I sent my sister materials from Harbor House that was basic information until she could get the lady to call the shelter. I was able to talk to the tenant via phone and explain the danger she was in based on what my sister had witness in the rental office. The boyfriend was arrested and because of lease agreement the tenant was afraid to move. With information we gathered my sister was able to contact the corporate office, share some of the information that I had gained and I explained how not only was the tenant in danager but all of those who lived in her building direct or indirectly. I felt really great when my sister called me back said that the corporate office approved to let the lady out of her lease so she could move while the boyfriend was in jail and she was able to make connection with family members to move and would contact the local DV center for follow up. I learned all of this by seeing all the good work done here at Harbor House and felt really empowered that I was able to share the knowledge. I highly recommend you get involved with your time, talent, financial anyway possible. Get the wish list, if just every person did one item a month it would help. I don't see losing my job as bad as losing the life of someone who could have been saved. Everyone can do something, please visit their website.
I love volunteering for harbor house. This is a great organization , we are able to comfort and help survivors of domestic violence. Most survivors are greatful for our help, and just give them the help and love they so desperate need.
It is a shame we are needed, but , due to the fact we are not living in a perfect world, it is great harbor house exists.
Harbor House is a leader across the nation for the establishment of the Paws for Peace Kennel. Persons seeking safety can now bring their furry family members. Pets are family, kids often have their pets as their greatest confidant, pets offer unconditional love to those whose self esteem and self worth have been shattered. This is a VITAL service that they offer. Saving additional lives (of the furry kind) that other shelters had not thought of before. I thank them for their leadership and ability to think outside the box when it comes to improving the lives of those in our community, pets included!!
A woman out there alone with no where to turn. Harbor House has made it known to most women there is no need to be alone. Harbor House has many programs to offer even if you are not ready to get out but to educate yourself when you become ready, help in the court house for those that can be intimidated with legal documents ,outreach services to learn about the program also resources, referals and support groups. Many women are unaware that they are in an abusive relationship Harbor House is willing to help. It's an amazing place to get help information or just someone to help you out..
I am so proud to be apart of the staff here at Harbor House. Incredible woman, who are dedicated and truly care =)
Harbor house is a necessary and vital agency that helps to educate, and advocate for women and families, who are at risk, regarding the devestating epidemic that is Domestic Violence. As a clinician in th field of mental health, working specifically with women, I have found Harbor House to be an amazingly uplifting source for my clients who struggle with family violence. One client in particular was able to, not only leave her abuser for good, but also walked away with uplifting connections made with the wonderful ladies in the Harbor house support groups.
I am so happy that there was a Harbor House in my time of need, The Shelter staff met all of my needs and were always there when I needed a helping hand, always giving encouragement to myself and also my two sons I am forever greatful . I would definitely recommend this Shelter to any victim of Domestic Violence
A great organization that is doing so much to help future furry friends that are a part of animal abuse. As an animal lover and a partner with Harbor House it is so nice to see the Paws for Peace kennel being built, so women have a place to go with their beloved pets.
I am a victim of domestic viloence. My exhusband tried to kill me almost two years ago. The case has still not gone to trial. I had never even heard of Harbor House until this happened to me. I can't find enough words to express the gratitude and respect I have for this organization. They have been there for me time after time. Since this happened I have been to HARBOR HOUSE at least 20 times for help, guidance, or just to have someone listen to me. Domestic Violence is the Secret Sin that no one wants to face or deal with. It just doesn't fit into a lifestyle unless you have lived it or are in it now..I can truly say with all my heart if it hadn't been for Harbor House and my ADVOCATE I would have given up a long time ago. I love Harbor House and will help them in every way I can as soon as this is behind me!!
Love the work that Harbor House is doing to keep not only victims of domestic violence safe, but their pets as well! Harbor House is a true leader in their cause. We are thrilled to partner with them.
As a survivor of domestic violence, long time advocate in the movement and former domestic violence center direcctor I feel that I have unique insights into the operations of Harbor House. This is a dymanic organization that is well managed. I am amazed at how far they stretch a dollar, how much the community supports the organization and most especially the creativity and efficacy of their programs. Harbor House is among the best non profits I have ever seen.
As a professional in the field of domestic violence, I know first hand the innovative approach Harbor House is taking to end domestic abuse. The work they are doing from aggressively seeking out those in the most danger to preventing abuse in the first place is inspiring.
As a former client of Harbor House, I later became a volunteer for their speaker's bureau and was invited to join their Advisory Board om 2011. I am impressed with the continuing innovation of their programs & services that I've seen over the past 15 years. They are continually expanding their collaborations with other stakeholders in the community and are the "go to" organization in the Orlando area when domestic violence is the topic. The new shelter building, children's center & upcoming kennel on their property are first-rate facilities, and their programs are designed to help victims and their children not merely survive abusive relationships, but thrive victoriously. Finally, their public awareness outreach into our community is extensive - far too involved to be able to detail in this forum.
M.O.S.T. is a Orlando crime prevention effort.As we tracked commonalities within cases,it was remarkable how many criminals were either affected by domestic abuse as a youngster and/or a domestic abuse perpetrator currently. We knew that we had to learn more about it all and sought out volunteer training w/ Harbor House. The scope of what they do is impressive. In 2010 to 2011 they completed 8,483 safety plans with clients/survivors,provided 32,772 hrs of counseling,fielded 8825 crisis hotline calls,provided advocacy,childcare,court services,trained volunteers and created awareness of domestic violence. Their community and business education program, Project Courage, did many trainings and field events while being endorsed by the Orlando Police Department. Harbor House recently broke ground on a shelter for the pets involved in domestic abuse affected homes. Personally, Harbor House and Project Courage opened our eyes that as men we have. A responsibilty to entice other men to break the stereotypes that mislead people into thinking domestic abuse is allright within our lives and pop culture. They have our respect and support. - Make Orlando Safe Today Admin