Every year Peace River Center Victim Services provides safety, counseling, training, and much more to nearly 600 local domestic violence survivors and their children. Peace River Center operates a 24-hour domestic violence crisis line as well as two emergency domestic violence shelters, which are often at capacity due to community need.

Individuals fleeing domestic abuse do not pay for Peace River Center’s victim services thanks to diverse funding and incredible community partners like Bruised But Not Destroyed. One of the  challenges we face is finding safe and affordable housing for survivors and their kids who are transitioning from our domestic violence shelters to their new homes. That’s where Bruised But Not Destroyed helps.

Tanika Poole started the nonprofit Bruised But Not Destroyed (BBND) to break the silence and raise awareness of abuse. The local nonprofit, which offers transitional housing, notes its mission is to provide a safe, clean and nurturing living environment that allows Survivors to thrive and grow into productive members of society. “We believe that the bumps and bruises of life don’t destroy your future. You are Bruised but not Destroyed,” according to the BBND mission statement.

Tronda Burton, Peace River Center (PRC) Victim Services Domestic Violence Shelter Manager said they have been working with BBND for several years.

Many of our Survivors have been able to secure long-term housing with Tanika’s program and receive continual support from her and PRC’s Domestic Violence Outreach Programs according to Tronda.

“We recently housed two Survivors in her home. Tanika has a passion for people, especially Survivors of domestic and sexual violence,” said Tronda. BBND has several homes in the Polk County area and Tanika’s vision has opened many doors and opportunities with housing for the Polk County survivors PRC serves.

“We appreciate what they do. Bruised But Not Destroyed is a beacon of light and inspiration in our community,” said Tronda.

The survivors who found safe housing with BBND also received Welcome Home baskets through PRC. The Welcome Home campaign raises funds to help survivors with essential items needed for their stay at PRC’s emergency shelters or when they transition into their new apartments or homes. The baskets can include everything from pillows and bedding to household cleaning essentials and specialty bath towels for the children of survivors.

Tronda said the goal of the Welcome Basket is to make Survivors feel safe and give them a sense of normalcy.

“It can feel overwhelming to have to completely rebuild your life. You leave behind the abuse, along with all of your possessions, and then get into your new place and have nothing. These baskets help fill that void,” said Tronda.

One of the survivors who recently stayed at a Bruised But Not Destroyed home and received a PRC Welcome Basket said: Thank you so much! The welcome basket was a beautiful token of empowerment and inspiration. I was able to move into my new space with the essentials. I am extremely grateful!

If you’d like to donate to help survivors with essentials like the Welcome Baskets, security deposits, utilities deposits and more to complete their new home experience, donate today!