‘Home Is Where the Heart Is’

For most of us, violence in the home is a foreign concept. But to local victims of abuse, having The Haven is a godsend.

On April 14, civic-minded residents can lend support to The Haven at its 9th annual Spring Gala, themed “Home Is Where the Heart Is.” It will be held at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Over 27 local chefs and restaurants will provide tantalizing dishes for the food tasting. And Todd Adams, Billy Stark and Dr. Lawrence Breaux will entertain.

Tickets to the annual fund-raiser are $100 per couple, or $50 per person. All monies benefit the work of The Haven.

The Houma center provides free sheltering and counseling services to women and children who are victims of domestic abuse or rape.

Last year, The Haven provided shelter to 101 women and 85 children, according to Executive Director Julie Pellegrin. Another 372 survivors of abuse received services from the center’s non-residential program. In all, The Haven received 3,049 crisis calls, conducted 3,260 individual and/or group counseling session, and filed 330 protective orders.

“As people become more and more aware that services are available and that you don’t have to live that way, they’re seeking help,” Pellegrin said. The biggest challenge for The Haven is having the manpower to meet the demand.

And that, she explained, is why the gala fund-raiser is so essential. “This helps us offset any money we’re not able to secure through grants to remain operational,” Pellegrin said.

In addition to the food tasting, a silent auction is being held. Among the items up for grabs: caps signed by Peyton Manning and brother Eli; footballs signed by LSU coach Les Miles and the Saints; a motorized scooter; golf trip; and jewelry.

For more information, call (985) 872-0757.