F.A.R.A.H Community House Association: 2024 Annual Report – A Year of Growth and Empowerment

Published: February 12, 2025

Introduction: A Message from the Board

As we reflect on the past year, the F.A.R.A.H Community House Association is immensely proud of the strides we’ve made in supporting Farsi-speaking women and children escaping domestic violence in Greater Vancouver. This year has been marked by significant growth, expanded programs, and, most importantly, the tangible impact we’ve seen in the lives of the individuals we serve. Our commitment to providing a safe, culturally sensitive, and empowering environment remains unwavering, and this report will detail the progress we’ve made and the challenges we continue to address. The journey of healing and rebuilding lives is never easy, but with the support of our community, volunteers, and dedicated staff, we have witnessed incredible resilience and strength.

Our Core Mission and Values

At the heart of F.A.R.A.H (Farsi Assistance & Resources Against Harm) is our mission: to offer a culturally accessible transition house for Farsi-speaking women who have experienced domestic violence. We bridge cultural gaps to ensure access to essential support services, fostering a safe space for women to rebuild their lives with strength and success. This mission is guided by our core values:

• Support: Providing unwavering support, a listening ear, and compassionate guidance.
• Safety: Prioritizing the safety and well-being of every woman we serve, creating a secure environment for healing.
• Strength: Believing in the inherent strength and resilience of every individual, empowering them to take control of their lives.
• Success: Dedicating ourselves to helping women achieve their goals and rebuild their lives, fostering independence and confidence.

Program Expansion: Meeting Increased Needs

This year, one of our primary focuses was expanding the reach and scope of our services. The demand for culturally sensitive support for Farsi-speaking women experiencing domestic violence continues to grow, and we have responded by enhancing existing programs and launching new initiatives.

The demand is related to a variaty of social and economical issues in the area.

One major expansion was in our Shared Transition House program. We increased our capacity by securing additional resources, allowing us to provide safe and supportive temporary housing to more women and children. This involved not only increasing the physical space available but also enhancing the support services offered within the transition house. We implemented new protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, including enhanced security measures and increased staff presence.

Counseling Services Enhancement: We significantly expanded our counseling services by recruiting additional Farsi-speaking counselors with expertise in trauma-informed care. We recognize that the psychological impact of domestic violence is profound, and providing culturally appropriate mental health support is crucial for long-term healing. Our counselors offer individual and group therapy sessions, tailoring their approach to the unique needs and experiences of each woman. This expansion included specialized training for our counselors in areas such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, ensuring they are equipped to address the complex emotional challenges faced by our clients.

Legal Resources and Advocacy: While F.A.R.A.H does not provide direct legal advocacy, we strengthened our network of legal partners to connect women with vital resources. We established partnerships with several legal aid organizations and pro bono lawyers specializing in family law, immigration, and housing. This ensures that women have access to the legal support they need to navigate complex legal processes and secure their rights. We also conducted workshops to educate women about their legal rights and options, empowering them to make informed decisions.

“F.A.R.A.H Voices: Breaking the Silence” Outreach Initiative: This year saw a significant expansion of our outreach program. We increased the number of workshops and community events held, reaching a wider audience within the Farsi-speaking community. These events focused on raising awareness about domestic violence, reducing stigma, and providing information about available resources. We also utilized multimedia platforms, including social media and online videos, to disseminate information and engage with the community. The feedback from these initiatives has been overwhelmingly positive, with many participants expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn and connect.

Job Training and Vocational Support: Recognizing that financial independence is key to long-term stability, we piloted a new job training program this year. This program provides women with the skills and resources they need to enter or re-enter the workforce. We partnered with local businesses and organizations to offer training in various fields, including customer service, administration, and healthcare. The program also includes resume writing workshops, interview skills training, and job placement assistance.

Community Partnerships and Collaboration

Our success is deeply intertwined with the strength of our partnerships within the Greater Vancouver community. We collaborated with numerous organizations this year, including:

• Local Shelters and Women’s Centers: Sharing resources and referrals to ensure comprehensive support for women in need.
• Immigration Services: Providing assistance with immigration-related matters, a significant concern for many Farsi-speaking women.
• Healthcare Providers: Connecting women with culturally sensitive medical and mental health services.
• Educational Institutions: Offering workshops and educational resources to students and faculty on domestic violence awareness.
• Cultural Comunity Centers

These collaborations have allowed us to leverage expertise and resources, maximizing our impact and ensuring that women receive holistic support.

Financial Overview

We are to share that this was a great year financially, with a significant increase in donations and grants. This financial stability has allowed us to expand our programs and services, reaching more women and children in need. We are committed to transparency and accountability in our financial management, ensuring that every dollar is used effectively to support our mission.

Looking Ahead: Future Goals

While we celebrate our achievements, we recognize that much work remains to be done. Our future goals include:

• Expanding Therapeutic Support Programs: Implementing specialized therapies, such as art therapy and group support, to address the emotional trauma of domestic violence.
• Developing Vocational Training: Creating more comprehensive vocational training programs to empower women with marketable skills and job opportunities.
• Strengthening Community Engagement: Launching new initiatives to engage the broader community in supporting our mission and advocating for change.
• Securing Sustainable Funding: Ensuring long-term financial stability to continue providing vital services.

A Call to Action

The fight against domestic violence requires a collective effort. We invite you to join us in our mission. You can support F.A.R.A.H by:

• Volunteering: Share your time and skills to assist with our programs and services.
• Donating: Make a financial contribution to help us provide essential support.
• Spreading Awareness: Share our message within your community and help us reach those who need our services.

Together, we can create a future where all Farsi-speaking women in Greater Vancouver live free from violence and have the opportunity to thrive.