The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home continues to support survivors of domestic assault 45 years after its establishment in 1980. The shelter was one of the first in the state certified to care for survivors, offering housing and life support while they get back on their feet.
We’ve been very busy. I, you know, again, I say this every time I’m hoping next time we’re empty, we can have another open house, but that’s not been happening. And I guess that’s why we’re there and people need us in our community. And this is why we’re celebrating our 45 years of being funded. It’s a big deal to be, one of the first five shelters in the state. – Mary Niemala, Executive Director, Barbara Kettle Gundlach Schelter Home
Close to three-quarters of the shelter’s funds are supported by Michigan Health and Human Services grants. Costs to maintain the home, and for providing care items continue to rise. Executive Director Mary Niemala says the organization has benefitted from local support to fill the gaps. Which have come in many forms.
We’re a home that gets used. So, you know, we need things replaced just like you do in your own home, but multi-tie, multi-tie, multi-tied by 10, you know, because we have a 10-bed shelter and, it gets used a lot more and laundered a lot more than maybe you do at home. So things wear out. So, you know, we’re very supportive of whatever anybody gives us as far as a donation. And, and also with our volunteer time, the time that people give us is It’s so important. We have 168 hours a week to cover. – Mary Niemala, Executive Director, Barbara Kettle Gundlach Schelter Home
Another way people give back to domestic violence survivors is by volunteering. Niemala started as a victim advocate close to 20 years ago. She says in that time she’s learned the best way to help people move forward starts with listening.
I think it’s a rewarding experience for people who want to volunteer. And it can be because their main role is to sit and do what we train people to do the most and that is to say, mm-hmm. You know, I think I’ve found over the years when a victim or client is talking with me and you’re doing that, mm-hmm. And you’re not telling them what to do. You’re giving them your time and attention and you’re listening to what they’re saying I think they realize things throughout that conversation on their own. And it kind of empowers them to realize, oh, wow, I was going through that. – Mary Niemala, Executive Director, Barbara Kettle Gundlach Schelter Home
After May 19th, the BKG Shelter will announce details for the annual summer golf scramble in Calumet, for the anniversary seats are limited. Niemala says friends of the shelter can reserve a seat or table online or by contacting staff. Single tickets cost 50 dollars. BKG will also offer two-seat reservations and table reservations for six.
The anniversary celebration with the shelter will take place at Gino’s of Hancock on May 19th. The event will begin at 5 pm with a social hour, followed by programming, dinner and entertainment. Lear more about the event here.
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