San Bernardino Walks out on Violence

Option House in San Bernardino welcomed about 500 participants to walk with them in their 12th Annual Walk-A-Thon to fight domestic violence. Option House of San Bernardino offers shelter for women and children who are seeking a way out. It’s a 60-day program based on getting women back on their feet while giving them support to do so. This year’s event was held in downtown San Bernardino to help raise money for the funding of the programs and services held at the Option House facility, while raising awareness in the community about the dangers of domestic violence. The Option House organization was awarded a $10,000 check from San Bernardino’s Attorney Association to progress forward. At the event they also disclosed their efforts to start raising money for their Capitol Campaign to start on renovations of their facility, built in the 1970s. Officials at Option House said they hope that in a year they will be able to reach their goal of $300,000. The home's programs provide women and children with food, clothing and other necessities needed. Executive Director Heather Stevning, who contributed to putting on the event, said, “We hope to raise more money for our program funding; most women come to us with nothing." She is one of the many staff who took part in passing out flyers and providing information and statistics on domestic violence. California State University San Bernardino’s Sociology Club also participated in the Walk-A-Thon by donating snacks and beverages to all event goers and providing services at the registration booth. Club member Keiry Borruel drove all the way down from Apple Valley to show her support and lend a helpful hand. She said, “We try to help out the community and just make it a better place.” The club members arrived at 6 a.m. to help set up and remained active help throughout the day. Once the 10K walk was over, Option House then had a previous victim of domestic violence speak to the crowd to share her story. Tennielle Haizeth stood courageously in front of her audience to raise awareness of the reality that is domestic violence. She explained her troubles and put emphasis on the tremendous help she received from Option House. Haizeth said, “If it weren’t for Option House, there is no doubt that I’d be dead right now. Option House truly cares for everyone woman and child that goes in there." Post- relationship, Haizeth has received help from Option Houses staff to move forward and transition into a new life. She now is attending school and aspires to become an author of different genre books, including an autobiography. [END] Walk Out on Family Violence Date: 5/2/2015 Time: 8:30 a.m. Google Map Event Location: Address: Intersection of 5th St./Arrowhead Ave. San Bernardino CA 92415 Description: Registration @ 7:30 a.m. 12th annual 10K walk sponsored by Option House, Inc. Registration $20. Those 16 and under free. Unlimited fun zone activities $5. STORY: Option House’s 12th Annual Walk-a-thon to Fight Domestic Violence BYLINE: Arya Abrego PHOTOS BY: Arya Abrego PHOTOS: 5 photos PHOTO CAPTIONS: IMG_5168 Heather Stevning and Taylor Skane IMG_5175 Taylor Serrano plays games IMG_5170 Food donated IMG_5178 Shirts with a message IMG_5167 Alyssa Masino and Lisa Pizzi with Optivus Proton WORD COUNT: 445 CONTACTS: Executive Director- Heather Stevning, hstevning@optionhouse.org Board President- Amber Vander Heul, 949-337-9009 Domestic Violence Victim- Elizabeth Knight/Tennielle Haizeth, knight4rhc@gmail.com Director of Marketing- Lisa Pizzi, 909-799-8367, www.optivus.com CSUSB Sociology Club Member- Keiry Borruel, 760-881-2555, keiry75@gmail.com MEMO TO EDITOR: The event was very fun and interactive. I got to speak to many people who put on the event and also help with Option House. I also got to speak to a victim of domestic violence among other things and was very moved by what she had to say. I would love to cover any post events they have. I know they are trying to renovate the building soon, so that would be ideal to cover. SPIN-OFF STORIES FOUND: The renovation of the facility they are fund raising for. They hope it will be soon. ARTICLE TITLES: Walk to Stop Domestic Violence, Walk Out on Domestic Violence, Option House Want to Help Stop Domestic Violence ARTICLE: Option House of the city of San Bernardino welcomed about five hundred participants to walk with them in their 12thAnnual Walk-A-Thon to Fight Domestic Violence. Option House of San Bernardino offers shelter for women and children who are seeking a way out. It’s a sixty day program based on getting women back on their feet while giving them support to do so. This year’s event was held in downtown San Bernardino to help raise money for the funding of the programs and services held at the Option House facility, while raising awareness in the community about the dangers of domestic violence. The Option House organization was awarded a ten thousand dollar check from San Bernardino’s Attorney Association to progress forward. At the event they also disclosed their efforts to start raising money for their Capitol Campaign to start on renovations of their facility that was built in the 1970’s. They hope that in a year they will be able to reach their goal of three hundred thousand dollars. Their programs provide women and children with food, clothing and other necessities needed. Executive Director Heather Stevning, who contributed to putting on the event says, “We hope to raise more money for our program funding; most women come to us with nothing”. She is one of the many staff who took part in passing out flyers and providing information and statistics on domestic violence. Local University, California State University San Bernardino’s Sociology Club also participated in the Walk-A-Thon by donating snacks and beverages to all event goers and providing services at the registration booth. Club member Keiry Borruel drove all the way down from Apple Valley to show her support and lend a helpful hand. She says, “We try to help out the community and just make it a better place.” The club members arrived at six a.m to help set up and remained active help throughout the day. Once the 10k walk was over, Option House then had a previous victim of domestic violence speak to the crowd to share her story. Tennielle Haizeth stood courageously in front of her audience to raise awareness of the reality that is domestic violence. She explained her troubles and put emphasis on the tremendous help she received from Option House. Haizeth says, “If it weren’t for Option House, there is no doubt that I’d be dead right now. Option House truly cares for everyone woman and child that goes in there”. Post relationship, Haizeth has received help from Option Houses staff to move forward and transition into a new life. She now is attending school and aspires to become an author of different genre books, including an autobiography.