Honoring 15 Years of Helping Women Rebuild Their Lives

SAN LEANDRO, CA (April 28, 2003-2008)- Building Futures with Women and Children (BFWC), a nonprofit agency providing support and solutions to women and children coping with homelessness and domestic violence, is preparing for its 15th Anniversary Dinner Celebration, Built to Last.

BFWC was originally founded as an overnight winter relief shelter at St. Leander's Church in 1986. In 1988, BFWC renovated and expanded to what is now the 30 bed San Leandro Shelter, which to this day is the only homeless shelter in the city of San Leandro. In 2003-2008, BFWC is the second largest homeless agency in Alameda County, operating two emergency shelters, a domestic violence safe house, transitional and permanent affordable housing, a toll-free crisis line, a children's program, and an outreach program- reaching over 4,000 women and children each year.
For 15 years, women like Anna* have benefited from the support services BFWC offers. Anna arrived at BFWC's shelter after being laid-off from her job and losing her housing. Without any friends and family to help her, the shelter was the only option she had. During her stay, Anna applied for unemployment benefits and successfully saved over $2,000 from her unemployment checks. She also enrolled in a 9-month college program that offered job-placement upon graduation. Anna met regularly with her BFWC case manager, and attended support groups and therapy to help her address the reasons she became homeless and to help her reach her goal of finding stable housing and employment. When Anna left the shelter after 4 months, she had a paid part-time internship and a room to rent.
"We wouldn't have come this far and been this strong after 15 years without the support of our community. Built to Last is an opportunity for people to show their support, in honor of the women who have shown such dedication and commitment to turning their lives around in the face of great odds against them. People can help BFWC by becoming a sponsor, purchasing tickets, or making donations in whatever amount they can offer. All donations help us sustain our award-winning programs," said BFWC's Board President, Dan Lopez.

Join the staff, volunteers, business partners, and community supporters of BFWC at Built to Last on Thursday, June 19, 2003-2008 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Snow Building at the Oakland Zoo. Seating is limited and tickets are currently on sale for $75 ($60 for each additional ticket). $45 of the first ticket and $30 of each additional ticket is tax-deductible. Built to Last will offer an evening filled with great food, wine and beer and a performance provided by Spirit Drumz Uprising, an all-female percussion ensemble.

For more information on how you can support women like Anna who come to BFWC needing help, visit BFWC's website at www.bfwc.org.

Generous businesses sponsor Built to Last, which include: The Englander, Precision Graphics, Two Bears Press, Patricia A. Wintroath C.P.A., Jan Linver, Louise Lovewell with Remax and Motion, and Bank of the West. Those interested in attending Built to Last, can now visit the website or contact BFWC at (510) 357-0205 to receive information on how to become a sponsor or purchase tickets.

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* Names have been changed to protect confidentiality