To live a healthy and fulfilling life, we need access to basic needs such as safe and affordable housing, a healthy environment, supportive relationships, and mental and physical health care. However, for those experiencing domestic violence, these essentials often feel out of reach, making it difficult to break the cycle of violence.
Domestic abuse is not merely a single incident; its repercussions can affect individuals and families for generations. Survivors often face severe physical and mental health challenges, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.
Alarmingly, about 30-60% of women with chronic mental illness have experienced domestic violence, highlighting the necessity for robust support systems that meet the complex health needs of survivors.
For over 40 years, Desert Sanctuary Inc., based in the city of Barstow, has served as a critical resource for individuals and families affected by domestic abuse.
Executive Director Rosalinda Palakiko emphasizes that many staff members have personal experiences with domestic violence, making their work deeply personal and impactful.
Desert Sanctuary is dedicated not just to recovery but also to prevention, offering classes on building healthy relationships and helping mothers learn not only to be their child’s protector but their nurturer.
The nonprofit serves primarily low-income families, as the poverty rate in Barstow and its surrounding communities is high. In addition to serving as an emergency shelter, the organization provides essential services to meet clients’ immediate needs. Desert Sanctuary runs a 24/7 crisis line while also offering various outreach programs, including parenting classes, life skills training, financial literacy and nutrition education.
While women report domestic abuse at nearly twice the rate of men, Desert Sanctuary is inclusive, offering services to all victims of domestic violence. In addition to women’s services, there is a weekly men’s support group.
Beyond a standard shelter, Desert Sanctuary provides peer support groups, crisis intervention, supervised visitation, professional therapy, family counseling, job preparation, safety planning, restraining order assistance and more.
Recognizing that not every individual reaches out directly, Desert Sanctuary also operates a thrift store, which includes a baby station to support young families in need. This initiative allows access to affordable baby items and serves as a diaper and formula bank for families in emergencies. Palakiko notes that many women may not be ready to seek help directly but are willing to access resources through the baby station.
“As an outreach, the thrift store has been successful because many women are not ready to walk through our office doors, but due to their needs, come into the baby station,” shared Palakiko.
The thrift store employees are trained advocates who build trust and relationships with clients, often guiding them to the Desert Sanctuary office for case management or peer support.
Referrals also come from county agencies like Children and Family Services (CFS). Palakiko recalls a poignant case involving a mother and her son referred to Desert Sanctuary by CFS when the child showed signs of failure to thrive.
The mother, grappling with the effects of domestic violence, struggled to care for her son, who was not talking or walking and relied on a feeding tube. With the combined support of the shelter and case management programs, both mother and child began to thrive. Through dedicated support and consistent intervention, the child not only learned to walk and eat independently but also ran around and eventually started school. The mother, empowered by her experience with the organization, pursued additional certifications to help gain employment.
This is a clear example of what can happen when not only the victim, but the entire family receives support and is able to recover and thrive.
Desert Sanctuary also helps women, especially moms, learn how to care for themselves. Victims of domestic violence often find themselves in survival mode and may neglect their own health while focusing on surviving or caring for others.
This is why Desert Sanctuary staff help moms make doctor appointments and make time to care for themselves physically through an onsite fitness center and through nutritious meals. Providing women and their families with access to vibrant health.
As Palakiko stated, “We address the whole person. This empowers the mothers in our program to teach these important lessons to their children. Young girls and boys can see their mother taking care of herself.”
Desert Sanctuary is not just a safe haven; it stands as a symbol of hope for individuals impacted by domestic violence, showcasing the significant difference that committed support services can make in changing lives and uplifting communities.
IEHP Foundation invests in organizations such as Desert Sanctuary, which is committed to improving the health and well-being of families. The Barstow-based nonprofit received a responsive grant to enhance its infrastructure and capacity, allowing it to continue providing vital services to the community.