Residents who live CFJ’s Kathie’s Place safe house, which provides shelter and support to victims of domestic violence, have been treated to a home makeover thanks to a generous donation from Bob’s Discount Furniture and its charitable foundation.
The 15-bed safe house recently received a grant for $30,000 worth of new furniture from Manchester-based Bob’s Discount Furniture chain.
The grant from the Bob’s Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation made it possible for CFJ to replace the furniture in every room at Kathie’s Place, marking the first time in a decade that the safe house, which is located in an undisclosed location to protect the safety of its residents, had received new furnishings.
“This incredibly generous gift from Bob’s Discount Furniture has been an extraordinary one for both our clients and staff,” said Debra A. Greenwood, CFJ’s President & CEO. “Our clients come to us seeking safety, shelter and support for themselves and their children as they work to rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic violence. Being able to live in beautiful surroundings thanks to the incredible generosity of the Bob’s Discount Furniture chain has already had an incredible impact on their sense of well-being.”
“We are honored to be able to contribute to improving the living conditions for these deserving women and children,” said Cathy Poulin, Director of Public Relations and Outreach for Bob’s Discount Furniture. “Supporting our local community is one of the many focuses of Bob’s Outreach team and we’re happy to be able to help Kathie’s Place.”
Greenwood noted the gift was a significant one because Kathie’s Place, like other domestic violence shelters around the state, has been operating over capacity for the past several years. Last year, safe houses around the state were at 122 percent of capacity, according to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Domestic violence is known to be the leading cause of homelessness for women and children across the United States.
“We see so many clients during a typical year, that our furniture gets a tremendous amount of use,” explains Greenwood. “As a nonprofit, budgeting for beautiful new furnishings is a luxury we typically cannot afford, but our clients deserve to live in attractive, comfortable surroundings. So that makes this donation so meaningful and appreciated.”
Greenwood recently met with staff at the Bob’s Discount Furniture store in Bridgeport to thank them for the support and generosity they have shown toward CFJ and its Kathie’s Place residents. “Working with the entire team at Bob’s Discount Furniture to make this happen for our clients has been a wonderful experience,” said Greenwood. “We’ve been impressed with their professionalism as well as the care and concern they have shown for our clients throughout the process.”
