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The James House Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary!
November 2014
By Taylor Rawls
The James House, a non-profit that provides support, advocacy, and education for people affected by sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking in the Tri-Cities area of Virginia, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To celebrate, they hosted a fundraiser with all of the proceeds supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
The James House fundraiser, an exciting event called Viva Las Vegas! Casino Night, took place on November 8, 2014, and was sponsored by Industrial TurnAround Corporation (ITAC), Gerdau, DaVita, 501 Advisors, Appomattox River Peanut & Wine Company, Flamour, Evonik Industries, and Gilbert C. Martin Company. They had a raffle and the winner was able to choose between a new 2015 Harley Street Glide Special and $15,000 in cash (after taxes). Someone even won a trip to the Dominican Republic! All of the proceeds will go to benefitting the survivors being helped by The James House. The event was a huge success and helped raise a substantial amount of money for the non-profit and its work.
The money gained from the fundraiser will allow The James House to continue offering multiple counseling and support groups for victims and paying for people to stay in a hotel. It recently added a shelter to their repertoire of services. “Our goal is to keep you safe,” Elvira De la Cruz, the Director of Programs and Services, said. The location of the shelter is kept secret, so the survivors who are living there can feel safe. The charity also does not require the people they work with to work with the police in any way. If they just need a place to stay for the night or even someone to talk to, they are allowed to do that in the privacy of The James House without having any contact with the authorities. All of these services are free and confidential.
The James House, a non-profit that provides support, advocacy, and education for people affected by sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking in the Tri-Cities area of Virginia, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To celebrate, they hosted a fundraiser with all of the proceeds supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
The James House fundraiser, an exciting event called Viva Las Vegas! Casino Night, took place on November 8, 2014, and was sponsored by Industrial TurnAround Corporation (ITAC), Gerdau, DaVita, 501 Advisors, Appomattox River Peanut & Wine Company, Flamour, Evonik Industries, and Gilbert C. Martin Company. They had a raffle and the winner was able to choose between a new 2015 Harley Street Glide Special and $15,000 in cash (after taxes). Someone even won a trip to the Dominican Republic! All of the proceeds will go to benefitting the survivors being helped by The James House. The event was a huge success and helped raise a substantial amount of money for the non-profit and its work.
The money gained from the fundraiser will allow The James House to continue offering multiple counseling and support groups for victims and paying for people to stay in a hotel. It recently added a shelter to their repertoire of services. “Our goal is to keep you safe,” Elvira De la Cruz, the Director of Programs and Services, said. The location of the shelter is kept secret, so the survivors who are living there can feel safe. The charity also does not require the people they work with to work with the police in any way. If they just need a place to stay for the night or even someone to talk to, they are allowed to do that in the privacy of The James House without having any contact with the authorities. All of these services are free and confidential.
The non-profit also works with the family and friends of survivors. For example, if a survivor is not comfortable speaking to a stranger, a family member can call The James House and an advocate will teach them how to handle the situation and how they can best help their loved one to cope. The James House also helps children, even if they are not the victim of domestic or sexual violence. “It is very important…to help them understand that what they have seen is not a healthy relationship,” De la Cruz said. The charity wants to help children break the cycle of violence.
The James House is run on community donations and some federal grants. They offer not only psychological services to the victims, but goods as well, including furniture, and even cars. There are two Spanish speaking employees in the office, including De la Cruz. The non-profit also has a 24-hour helpline available so they can assist anyone who comes to them, no matter what language they speak. De la Cruz said that around 1,200 people in the Greater Richmond area use their services each year.
The James House hotline is 804.458.2840. If you or anyone you know is suffering from domestic or sexual abuse, please do not hesitate to call.
The James House is run on community donations and some federal grants. They offer not only psychological services to the victims, but goods as well, including furniture, and even cars. There are two Spanish speaking employees in the office, including De la Cruz. The non-profit also has a 24-hour helpline available so they can assist anyone who comes to them, no matter what language they speak. De la Cruz said that around 1,200 people in the Greater Richmond area use their services each year.
The James House hotline is 804.458.2840. If you or anyone you know is suffering from domestic or sexual abuse, please do not hesitate to call.
