Where do women and children who are victims of domestic abuse in Los Angeles flee to? That is a painful subject, but there are places for survivors to find shelter and assistance. Losangeleska will tell you more about Good Shepherd Shelter and what help women and children can receive there.
Sisters of Good Shepherd: The founding sisters’ convent
They were the ones who established the Good Shepherd Shelter, Los Angeles’ first shelter for victims of domestic abuse. Initially, the convent was founded back in 1904 to accept young female offenders between the ages of 12 and 21. They were young girls who were directed by juvenile courts, parents, guardians and social institutions. The sisters helped them get on the right path.
The convent covered an area of 5.67 hectares where 225 girls could initially stay. The founding sisters didn’t stop on that, so as early as 1977, they started looking for new ways and programs to help victims of domestic abuse. It concerned such basics as providing women with children with living essentials to make them feel safe and stable.
Founding the first shelter for women and children victims
The building of the former monastery was demolished, with some of the property sold. For this reason, a smaller monastery was built on the remaining land, which became the first shelter for victims of domestic abuse in Los Angeles. The monastery’s official website notes that the complex is secret, and its location is one of the worst neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
In 1979, the founders acquired a 12-unit apartment building next to the convent, followed by another house in 2010. Later it became possible to add a preschool and classes for children from preschoolers to sixth graders. In addition, the Adult Education Center was created.
The charity concluded escrow on a land purchase from the Sisters of Good Shepherd in 2019, bringing the Good Shepherd Shelter into the ‘family’ of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles. It was a special occasion, the year of Catholic Charities’ centennial. What does that mean? It enables Catholic Charities to continue delivering services to the community and helping a vulnerable population of domestic abuse survivors, such as women and children, for another 100 years.
It is never too late to seek help
The shelter for victims of domestic abuse is located at 1650 Rockwood St. and is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is closed from Saturday through Sunday.
The facility provides women and children with individual and comprehensive assistance considering herbs for healing. The convent’s programs are designed to help victims break the cycle of domestic abuse.
According to Deana Payne, program director, Good Shepherd Shelter is a special place. Her first impression left a lasting impression on the beauty of the area. The woman herself has a sad story, having been a victim of domestic abuse, but thanks to the shelter and the sisters, she was able to break the cycle.
Having had the experience, the woman sees her days at the shelter not as work but as an opportunity to help and guide others. She is certain both women and children who have experienced domestic abuse have a future, as evidenced by her own experience.
To get help, call the shelter at (323) 737-6111 or send an email.
The center has its own Instagram and Facebook page with information that is up to date. The announcements are updated regularly and you won’t miss anything.