San Angelo Family Shelter Still Open for Business

Formerly known as the NewBridge Family Shelter, the San Angelo Family Shelter has been serving families of the Concho Valley for over 30 years. Recently, the organization experienced a change in management, and with that, a return to their former name. Pam Colbert, a case manager for NewBridge, has said that it's caused a bit of confusion for clients; however, she wants the community to know that shelter is open and ready to help anyone in need.

The San Angelo Family Shelter is “dedicated to reducing domestic violence by providing a safe haven and educational services to victims.” While the shelter primarily serves women of all ages, anyone who has been affected by domestic abuse is welcome to utilize the shelter’s many services.

First and foremost, the shelter serves as an emergency shelter for victims in a crisis situation and for their family members. The facility can house up to 500 individuals and provides meals, emergency transportation, a children’s activities center, and laundry services. According to its website, the shelter also boasts a “high security environment” to ensure the safety of their residents.

While housing  is a large part of the facility, the sheltetr is also proud to offer five 12-week classes dedicated to, in the words of employee Donna Solis, “change and empower [victims’] lives” that are available to residents as well as victims who live outside of the shelter. Solis teaches Dynamics of Family Violence which is one of the most utilized classes that the shelter offers. In class, she discusses the signs and effects of domestic violence, and perhaps most importantly, how victims can overcome their situations and avoid future abusive relationships.

"We do more than just educate them about domestic violence," she said, "we want our clients to be empowered and change their lives."

The shelter also offers three other classes in a group setting ranging from topics like money management, self-care, and parenting. Not only is the shelter educating clients about domestic violence and how to change their lives for the better, they also offer a support group for victims and survivors to come together and discuss their specific situations. If a potential client has a transportation issue, the shelter is prepared to help. 

"We can arrange transportation to residents living outside the area if necessary," Solis shared.

The service that the San Angelo Family Shelter provides the Concho Valley is indispensable; however, they’re not doing it alone. Solis is proud of the relationships that the shelter has made with both the Concho Valley Rape Crisis Center and the Tom Green County Crisis Intervention Unit in order to meet the needs of their clients. Unfortunately, she notes, oftentimes victims of domestic violence are also victims of rape, sexual assault, and other crisis situations. By collaborating with these agencies, the shelter is able to ensure that their clients receive all of the assistance they need and can take the steps necessary in order to regain their voice and sense of safety.

Colbert urges victims of domestic violence to find the courage to reach out and ask for help. She emphasized the value the shelter places on confidentiality and believes the shelter can be the "safe space" that victims need. 

"We are here, and anyone who's a victim should give us a call."

As a non-profit, the shelter spends many evenings and weekends in the community, and in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the San Angelo Family Shelter  has several events coming up. This Saturday at Kirby Park, employees and volunteers will be holding the “Pets Against Violence” event. The San Angelo Animal Shelter will have adoptable animals at the event, and families are encouraged to bring their own furry friends. There will music and concessions, and the Rape Crisis Center and Crisis Intervention Unit will also be present to discuss the services they offer. The event starts at 10 a.m. and wraps up at 2 p.m.

On Oct. 20 at Stephen’s  Central Library, the shelter has invited community leaders for “Coffee and Conversation,” which will include a presentation on domestic violence as well as a public forum. It starts at 1 p.m. and lasts until 3 p.m. and will be held in the 3^rd floor Community Room.

To conclude Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the shelter will hold their annual vigil on the lawn of the Tom Green County Courthouse. This year, advocates will read the names of 132 adult women from the Concho Valley who were killed as a result of domestic violence. Sadly, that number has increased since last year. The vigil begins at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 27.

Like all non-profit organizations, The San Angelo Family Shelter is always in need of donations and volunteers. Colbert said that volunteers are required to complete a mandatory training course on confidentiality and sensitivity in order to work with clients; however, the process is relatively short and can be completed in a timely manner. If you’re interested in donating to the shelter, you can call the office at 325-655-5774 and ask for Valerie Tillery.

For more information on the San Angelo Family Shelter or the organizations they work with, call 325-655-5774.