Faith House continues important mission

Unfortunately, domestic violence remains a reality endured by many.
But, for those feeling trapped, there is help.
Faith House, a non-profit domestic violence crisis center in Lafayette, aids people facing abuse from a spouse or partner. Faith House has done so for 40 years.
For nearly 30 those years,
Cindy Triche has been a part of that process. Triche, a Faith House survivor advocate for Vermilion Parish, spoke to the Rotary Club of Abbeville on Wednesday about the organization’s ongoing mission.
“Our mission statement is to provide safety, shelter, empowerment, and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence,” said Triche, who herself is a survivor.
All services provided by Faith House are free and confidential.
“Our shelter itself is in Lafayette,” Triche said.
However, there are six outreach offices, including one in Vermilion Parish. For those needing assistance in the parish, call 337-893-3033.
“I did supervise over all those offices for many years,” Triche said, “but I gave it up because there was work here. We had so many survivors to help, and I felt I needed to be here with them.”
Counseling and other services are offered through the Vermilion Parish office. In addition, there is a support group that meets once a week. Fifty to 60 women and around 100 children are serviced by Faith House in Vermilion Parish each month.
“We also have a children’s advocate that works for Faith House,” Triche said.
Triche explained that Faith House limits its scope to helping victims of domestic violence. However, should a woman contact them for help, such as for homelessness, Triche said Faith House would help connect that person with the proper organization.
Faith House’s shelter is located in Lafayette. Triche said Faith House would work with those who go to the shelter through the various steps, including securing transitional housing after leaving the shelter.
“We have purchased property to build a much bigger shelter than we have now,” Triche said of a new facility in Lafayette. “We have to raise funds for the next two years.”
Faith House does receive some federal and state funding. Triche said grants have also come through.
“There were some huge budget cuts several years ago,” Triche said. “Some shelters shut down.”
Donations are always welcome. Triche said those can be made by contacting the local outreach office.
“Anything donated to Vermilion Parish can stay in Vermilion Parish,” Triche said.
One Rotarian asked Triche if a sizable donation came through in Vermilion Parish, what would be at the top of the wish list?
“I would probably build a shelter here in the parish,” Triche said.
Unfortunately, the need for Faith House’s services remains vital in Louisiana.
“Louisiana is number five in the nation on most women killed by their partners,” Triche said. “We used to be number two.”