Borgosesia, Giovanna Antida Shelter House, established to welcome women who are victims of violence, or in a serious condition of fragility, alone or with children: on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the House’s 10 years of activity, an awareness-raising meeting was organized entitled: “Violence against women: a daily drama”.
The history of the Home
In 2008 – 2009 some volunteers from the parish Caritas, with the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret initiated a survey to assess the most pressing needs from the social point of view, to identifying the needs and new “poverty”.
In 2010, a widespread public information effort followed, the Agape Association was officially established, and the search for a property to house the House began. It was the City of Borgosesia that made available a city-owned building.
On Feb. 25, 2014, the House was inaugurated as a social first aid for women with children, providing hospitality for three months, extendable up to six months.
Over the years, it has changed to a Community Home for single women or women with children, because the time to build a life path that includes reintegration and the achievement of a new social and work autonomy is much longer than six months.
The facility has an area of 650 square meters and has eight spacious rooms, equipped with private bathrooms, and large common areas.
Since the year of its opening, the Home has welcomed 173 guests, including 74 minors, of different nationalities. Twenty-three volunteers work in close synergy with the educational team.
