SAN ANGELO, TX - For 45 years, the Family Shelter in San Angelo has been a sanctuary for victims of family violence in the Concho Valley.
According to information from the Family Shelter, it first opened in May 1979 in a small location next to the current police station (the old Shannon Surgery Center).
In 1983, land was purchased at 79 Gillis, and an 8-bedroom facility came to life. In 1997, the building expansion opened, providing offices, 12 apartments for transitional housing, and remodeling of the old facility.
1995 Golden Shovel Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Expansion.
The Family Shelter has served the Concho Valley for 45 years in its “efforts to break the cycle of family violence.”
“Many souls have crossed our threshold and many survivors have spread their wings out the door in success,” Program Director Valerie Tillery stated. “Many children were born and made the Family Shelter their first home. Opportunities for college students to conduct their internship here have re-entered the community as professionals. Victim advocates have come and gone, yet left footprints on victims toward survivorship.
“Its roof has sheltered thousands of women and children seeking refuge from violence,” she stated. “The facility itself has gone through various storms, apartment fire, sprinkler system flooding, wind damage, roof damage, and several appliance replacements (hot water heaters, stoves, and refrigerators). State grants fund services—not buildings.”
1996 Construction Progress.
As the shelter looks to the future, there is hope for a new, modern facility that offers more privacy, a homier environment, and better spaces for children and staff alike.
“While this sacred ground has provided much over the years, it’s come to the point that perhaps, one day, a new ‘modern’ facility can be achieved,” Tillery stated. “One that offers more privacy to a victim enduring the emotional anguish of their life; one that offers children an area of frolic and play; one that offers a homier environment; one that offers staff the space to create a warmer atmosphere; and, one that offers seclusion and privacy from the busy flow of the downtown area.
“Every so often, a former resident, now survivor, comes by for a visit to their ‘old room,’” she stated. “Oftentimes, they’ve remarried, found new careers, and have grandchildren. It’s nice to see that we made a difference in the lives of others. We mostly see small to medium outcomes and 'plant seeds' toward successes that we may never hear about. Yet, we know that our program is the foundation toward achievement.”
“It’s time for a new golden shovel,” information stated. “Help us to build a new foundation to serve future generations of children in the 15-County, Concho Valley.”
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