The Purple Room has been sponsored by the Laubacher family to bring attention to the scourge of domestic violence.
On Thursday, March 16, The City Center Transitional Living, located at 837 E. Thompson Blvd., hosted a ribbon cutting event for The Purple Room. The Purple Room is dedicated to survivors of domestic violence.
The Purple Room has been sponsored by the Laubacher family in honor of Jane Laut. The family wanted to bring attention to the scourge of domestic violence and its impact on individuals and children in our community. Jane Laut was a victim of domestic violence and is currently in prison for the murder of her husband after years of abuse.
Executive Director Pastor Jim Duran stated, “We are thrilled that we are able to take in two more homeless children and their mother at The City Center. Mother Kaitlyn, Demitri (2), and Sequoia (5 months) have a safe place to call home as they move towards self-sufficiency and wholeness. We cannot thank the Laubacher family enough for their generous contribution.
During their residency, clients find stability so they can focus on getting their life under control and obtaining the help and necessary skills they need to get back on their feet.”
Beth Laubacher Baumer told the large gathering, “It is a pleasure being here tonight with our City Center family. You all have made us feel right at home here since day one. Every single one of you has exhibited nothing but love and a sense of community.
My family and I are humbled and honored to be a part of this very special place. We feel like we have been called to action to address this horrible issue and staggering rate of domestic violence in our county. After everything we have gone through with Jane, we are compelled to do all that we can to help people understand it’s very complex and misunderstood issue. Thank you for providing shelter and refuge and support but most of all the love acceptance and understanding.”
Stated Councilmember Mike Tracy, “I want to thank the Laubaucher family for making this investment in Ventura. It is remarkable that they are using their personal family tragedy to make positive change in the lives of others.”
Councilmember Matt LaVere said “The City Center is unique in that it truly changes lives. The Purple Room will provide shelter and more importantly, opportunity to a young mom and her two children. And none of this would be possible without the generosity of the Laubachers, a family I have known and respected for many years. The Laubachers turned a family tragedy into an a chance to protect other women and children from similar violence .”
Speaking on behalf of the Ventura Chamber Becky Haycox, Marketing & Events Director “Now more than ever, we need to pull together and watch out for each other. City Center is the center of all this – the beating heart of Ventura. The City Center’s staff, board, volunteers and residents make our Ventura community what it is. We are proud to have them as a member.”
Councilmember Cheryl Heitmann was there and stated “The City Center has the philosophy and the program that works and truly gives people a new start in life to help them become self-sustaining members of our community. I want to recognize and thank the dedicated Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and donors for making the success of the City Center possible. “
To learn more, volunteer or donate to The City Center, visit www.thecity.org or call 628-9035.
