Bemidji's Northwoods Battered Women's Shelter Becomes Heart's Haven Shelter | Lakeland News

Duration: 2:45 444 transcript words EN summary

Video summary

On July 14th, Bemidji's Northwoods Battered Women's Shelter officially unveiled its new identity as Hearts Haven Shelter, marking a significant evolution for an organization that has served the community for nearly five decades. Following a move to a brand-new facility approximately eighteen months ago, the nonprofit board engaged in thoughtful discussions and concluded that the name change perfectly reflected their core mission. The term "Hearts Haven" was inspired by one of the campaign's primary donors who contributed $1 million toward the new building, symbolizing a place where individuals are watched over, protected, and given the opportunity to heal from intimate partner violence. The rebranding effort aims to reduce stigma while highlighting the shelter's commitment to safety and recovery for women and children fleeing abusive situations. In the past, many people were uncomfortable with the term "battered," leading the organization to embrace a more hopeful identity that invites those in need without judgment. The new facility features twenty-four private rooms where residents can stay around the clock, seven days a week, allowing them greater privacy than previous arrangements and creating an environment conducive to healing. With ten employees continuing their work as usual, the shelter maintains its operational integrity while offering a fresh start for families looking to get their lives back on track. Looking toward the future, representatives of Hearts Haven have expressed optimism about continued improvements designed to enhance security and community support within the facility. Planned upgrades include the construction of a playground specifically for children currently residing at the shelter and the installation of an additional fence around the property to further ensure safety. These developments underscore the organization's dedication not only to providing immediate refuge but also to fostering long-term stability and well-being for all who seek help in Bemidji. Through this transformation, Hearts Haven Shelter stands as a beacon of hope, offering a safe haven where hearts are protected and paths to recovery are actively nurtured.

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On July 14th, the Northwoods Battered Women's Shelter in Baiji unveiled a new name that they will be operating under, Hearts Haven Shelter. Our reporter Sydney Dick stopped by the facility today to learn more about where the name change came from and what it means to those involved. >> The Northwoods Battered Women's Shelter in Baiji has been serving the area for 48 years. The nonprofit organization moved to a new location about a year and a half ago and now they are going to be doing business as the Hearts Haven Shelter. The name Hearts Haven represents a place where our hearts are watched over, protected, and given the opportunity to heal. I think it's really important to get it out there more about raising awareness of intimate partner violence. The women and children that come here need a safety a safe place to be. After thoughtful discussion, the board felt that Harts Haven Shelter perfectly reflected our mission and the hope we strive to provide every day. A $3.2 million capital campaign for the shelter's new facility was organized by a committee, board members, and members from the Women United and United Way of Bumiji area. The name idea comes from one of the main campaign donors who gave $1 million towards the new shelter. Hearts Haven provides a safe, welcoming environment for individuals and families experiencing intimate partner violence. Our new facility has 24 beds and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So, I think it's very important because a lot of people don't like to be called battered. Since we're in a new building, we thought, why not? I think it's time to do a new name. Although not operating under the Northwoods battered women's shelter name anymore, operations will still continue running as normal with 10 employees and the new facility looking the same as when it was built. The 24 rooms typically remain occupied as women and their children heal and the nonprofit works to help them get their lives back on track. It's very private. They have their own rooms now, so I think they can heal a lot more as well. It's more inviting and it represents a place where our hearts are watched over and protected and gives the opportunity to heal as well. Reporting from Baiji, I'm Sydney Dick, Lakeland News. >> Hearts Haven representatives also spoke about hope for continued improvements to the shelter, including a future playground for children and a fence around the facility for further security. >> Lakeland News is a nonprofit news organization. Donate to Lakeland PBS today to support your local news team.