Shelter’s History in the Valley

I appreciate the article written by Tim May in the March 29 edition of The Times (“Plans Underway for Women’s Shelter”). However, I would hope that when one writes such an article the writer is sure of his information. Which is:

The Family Violence Project of Jewish Family Service has been in existence for 14 years. Our Community Counseling Center in Van Nuys provides counseling services and advocacy to families whose lives have been devastated by domestic violence.

The Family Violence Project founded Hope Cottage and opened its doors in December 1994. While it was only a two-bedroom home, it was a house of transition for battered women and their children, providing six months of cost-free housing and related services. At that time, Hope Cottage was the only house of transition in the north San Fernando Valley and the only one under the aegis of the Jewish community.

In December 1995, Hope Cottage moved to a four-bedroom home, and shortly hopes to expand to six bedrooms. Hope Cottage is still a house of transition and is nonsectarian.

In September 1995, Tamar House, our 30-day battered women’s shelter, was opened. Tamar House provides safety and support to families fleeing violence in their homes.

When reporting news, we at the Family Violence Project would appreciate correct news.

DOROTHY M. SCHATZ

North Hollywood

Schatz is chairman of the board of directors of Hope Cottage