It’s not always visible, but healing is happening every day—and so is harm. May brings our attention to Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder that the effects of intimate partner and sexual violence extend far beyond physical injuries. Survivors often carry invisible wounds—anxiety, depression, PTSD—that require care, patience, and community to begin to heal.
At the same time, May also gives us the opportunity to celebrate the strength of the survivors we serve who are mothers, caregivers, and nurturers. For many of them, the fight for safety is also a fight for their children’s safety. 92% of intimate partner violence perpetrated against children was committed by their parent or parent’s partner(s). 42% of sexual violence perpetrated against children was committed by family or other household members.
Due to reductions in grant funding and significant increases in the costs of providing services like advocacy, emergency shelter, and emotional support for survivors, The Haven is facing a significant budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2026. As we work to meet increasingly complex and urgent needs, we are stretching every resource to keep our doors open. But we can't do it alone.
Now more than ever, The Haven needs your help. Your support ensures that survivors continue to receive the safety, resources, and advocacy they deserve. Join us in making a difference today at havenshelter.org/donate.
At The Haven, we work every day to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health—by listening without judgment, speaking openly about trauma, and reminding survivors that healing is not linear. Many of the people we serve are navigating complex emotional wounds, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. One of the most common misconceptions we encounter is the belief that people should be able to "get over it" or "move on" quickly. But healing takes time, and support is essential—not optional.
In this line of work, we’ve learned that mental health is not just about crisis—it’s about care. It's about creating environments where people feel seen, safe, and supported. That includes our staff and volunteers. We can't pour from an empty cup, and our ability to show up for survivors starts with how we care for ourselves and each other.
When we tend to our own mental health, we bring more empathy, patience, and presence to every interaction. That’s how we build stronger, more compassionate communities—one honest conversation and one safe space at a time.
When Laura arrived at The Haven, she had just left a long-term abusive relationship. Though there were no visible injuries, the emotional wounds ran deep. The years of control and manipulation had taken a toll on her self-worth and sense of identity. She felt both relieved and unmoored—safe, but unsure how to begin again.
In the early days, Laura struggled with sleep, anxiety, and self-doubt. Crowded spaces overwhelmed her, and even routine decisions felt exhausting. She thought that leaving the relationship would bring instant relief, but instead, she found herself wrestling with a new kind of pain—one rooted in trauma and years of surviving.
Through ongoing support at The Haven, Laura began to understand that her responses were valid and deeply human. Staff worked with her to recognize triggers, practice calming techniques, and rebuild her confidence at her own pace. She didn’t need to rush or pretend to be okay—she just needed space, support, and time.
Today, Laura is continuing her healing journey with greater self-awareness and resilience. She's learning that recovery from abuse includes caring for her mental health and accepting that healing isn’t linear. Her story is a reminder that safety is only the first step—real healing takes time, compassion, and connection.
If you or someone you know needs help, The Haven is here. You are not alone. Call our hotline at 1-800-224-2836.
Are you passionate about creating communities free from intimate partner violence and sexual assault? The Haven Shelter & Services is currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. As a member of our working board, you’ll help guide our mission, provide strategic oversight, and support fundraising efforts that directly impact survivors across our five-county service region.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board that reflects the communities we serve—across geography, race, gender, age, and professional expertise. We’re especially interested in candidates with skills or experience in budgeting, fundraising, public relations, legal work, strategic planning, or intimate partner violence and sexual assault services.
Board members serve a three-year term, attend regular meetings every other month, and contribute approximately 50–55 hours per year. In return, you’ll join a committed group of leaders working together to advance The Haven's mission.
Interested in learning more? Visit havenshelter.org/boardservice to view the full Board Member volunteer job description and FAQs. Ready to apply? Complete the Prospective Board Member Application and send it with your resume to Executive Director Ellen Yackel at ellen.yackel@havenshelter.org or by mail to PO BOX 1267 Warsaw, VA 22572.
Help shape the future of survivor services in our service area—apply today.
We're so thankful for the community for helping us in our efforts to support survivors! We received many donations and had plenty of folks to help assemble intake and snacks bags. These bags will be of great assistance when folks enter our shelter, as they sometimes come in hungry, thirsty, and/or with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
The Haven is hiring! Learn more at havenshelter.org/jobs.
Top Items Needed at The Haven Shelter
- $25 Walmart Gift Cards
- $25 VISA Gift Cards
- Floor Cleaner
**These are just some of our top-needed items, for a complete list of items for you to donate please click here. Donations can be mailed to or dropped off at our Administrative Office (102 Walnut Street Warsaw, VA 22572).
*URGENT NEED* We've had 2 large commercial fridges break at our shelter. We are in need of someone with the ability to lift, transport, and dispose of these items.
If you are physically unable to help with this need but would like to financially sponsor this project so we are able to pay for someone to remove these items. Please call our office at 804-333-1099 and ask for Shannon who can provide more details on the matter.
The Haven is looking for Thrift Store volunteers on Thursdays and Fridays! We receive so many donations and could use your help processing, pricing, tagging, and displaying items, performing basic housekeeping tasks around the store, and managing overflow donations. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in please complete the Volunteer Interest Form at havenshelter.org/volunteer.
We need your help to cover dinners at our shelter from May to June. Please visit havenshelter.org/volunteer or email brittany.clayborne@havenshelter.org to sign up. We have several dinners that need to be covered:
- Friday, 5/16
- Friday, 5/30
- Friday, 6/6
- Wednesday, 6/11
- Friday, 6/20
If you would like to help us meet this need, we are looking for the following kid-friendly dinners:
- Pizza
- Lasagna or Spaghetti
- Chicken Nuggets
- Fried Chicken
- Hamburgers or Hot Dogs
- Tacos
Feel free to be a little creative, however the above items are always "safe". Other meals that have gone over well: chili, breakfast for dinner (pancakes, bacon, eggs) or chicken alfredo.
- Sides: Mashed Potatoes, Salad, Green Beans, Chips, Mac & Cheese
- Dessert (Optional): Sheet Cake, Cupcakes, Cookies
- Drinks (Optional): Soda or Juice
- Paper Plates and Utensils (Optional)
Please provide enough food for 10 people. Dinner must be dropped off at our Administrative Office (102 Walnut Street Warsaw, VA 22572) preferably in disposable pans by 4pm on the scheduled day.
You can sign up for a respective day here or at havenshelter.org/volunteer.
We’re looking for dedicated volunteers to assist with housekeeping tasks at our Administrative Office and Shelter. Your support helps create a clean, welcoming environment for survivors. It also allows staff to continue to provide vital services to those in need. Tasks may include light cleaning, organizing supplies, and other general upkeep. This volunteer opportunity is recurring and takes place weekday mornings and afternoons. If interested, please email Brittany Clayborne at brittany.clayborne@havenshelter.org.
