Join DVN as We Celebrate 20 years!
By Kelly McBride, DVN executive director
The Domestic Violence Network (DVN) is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2017, but long before it became a 501(c)(3) with an operating budget and staff support, work was already being done. DVN really began in the 70’s, started by a group of dedicated service providers who were interested in working collaboratively. This group met on the first Tuesday of each month and had a committee structure and officers.
In 1995, WRTV 6 and the Mayor’s Commission on Family Violence launched the Safe Haven Campaign which was designed to raise awareness about the issue of domestic abuse and money for transitional housing. One year later, Coburn Place Safe Haven opened its doors in 1996.
During that time, the decision was made to create the Safe Haven Foundation. The original intent was to create an entity that would continue to raise money to help fund domestic abuse programs. That concept quickly evolved. Safe Haven Foundation became actively involved in the Domestic Violence Network and soon started taking a leadership role in planning the monthly agendas. The Board of Directors of Safe Haven Foundation began to consider a possible merger.
A fairly large meeting of funders, service providers and board of directors was held in the Community Room at the Kessler Blvd office. After a fairly extensive presentation, a vote was taken to officially merge the two organizations. The proposal passed, and Safe Haven Foundation became the Domestic Violence Network of Greater Indianapolis!
The Domestic Violence Network became a staff funded organization with an operating budget in 1997. Since our inception, we have launched four community wide plans, expanded our outreach and education efforts and continue to host the Advocates Group on the first Tuesday of the month.
Please join us on May 18 at Bent Rail Brewery from 4-6 pm as we celebrate 20 years of engaging the community to end domestic violence. We will take a look back at the past and celebrate our collaborations as a community. This is a free event, but registration is required