Seekhaven

This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.

For nearly 15 years, Seekhaven has provided a safe harbor to the homeless and victims of abuse. This Moab facility operates a nine-bed emergency shelter and a resource center that serve the communities of Grand County and part of Emery County.

Many know Moab for its scenic beauty and recreational offerings. However, few realize that like any other community it faces its share of social problems, including domestic abuse, homelessness, poverty and sexual abuse. Seekhaven was founded in 1990 to combat these problems and to assist those who experience them.

Stephanie Dahlstrom, executive director of the center, was on the staff when it first opened. She saw firsthand the difficulties in opening such a facility in a rural area. At the time, there were less than 10 such shelters in the state — all in larger cities. The need for a local facility was so great, Seekhaven opened three months earlier than planned. Now, Stephanie says it has become a vital resource and integral part of the community.

Many of the success stories Stephanie shared with me inspire great hope. Such is the story of one of the first clients of the shelter — a mother of five who had been in an abusive relationship much of her life. Her husband had been abusive from the beginning of their early marriage. In 1990, she sought help at the shelter. She started a new life, raising her children on her own by working sometimes three or four jobs at once. Three years ago, she began to volunteer at the shelter as an expression of gratitude. Recently she became a full-time staff member at the shelter.

Right now Seekhaven is preparing for the 13th Annual Seekhaven "Puttin' on the Ritz" Fund Raising Dinner & Gala on February 12 at the Moab Valley Inn, with catering donated by Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge and music by the Nashville Refugees. Tickets are available at Arches Books and Zions Bank in Moab, as well as at Seekhaven.

For Zions Bank, this is Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.