This page will be updated weekly during the month of May with highlights and records from TESSA's past
history of tessa
May 5, 1975
1975
In 1975, Wanda Reaves and other workers at the Virginia Neal Blue Center were alarmed at the frequency with which they were contacted by or on behalf of women in the community who had been threatened or assaulted by their husbands. Public officials and agencies had few provisions for ensuring safety and assistance to an abused spouse, and even fewer private resources were available to the victim.
July 1977
Battered Women Need Aid: DA
District Attorny Bob Russel has called for community support for Battered Women Services, a group recently formed to offer temporary shelter and counseling for abused wives and their children.
1982
Second Grant from El Pomar Foundation
In 1982, a second grant from the El Pomar Foundation supported the development and continuation of the Domestic Violence Prevention Center’s efforts in the community. The Center than began operating a 24-hour crisis hotline, provided emergency shelter to women and children who have been victims of domestic violence, offered crisis and support group counseling, made community education presentations, worked with children from violent homes and trained local volunteers to continue helping victims of violence.
1989
Name Change
Since 1977, known as the Domestic Violence Prevention Center, this private, non-profit corporation underwent a name change in 1989 to The Center for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and has grown from a referral service into a vital link in the community’s protective and support services for its citizens.
1999
Downtown Location
2001
Official Name Change
Begining in October 2000, an intensive marketing study was conducted. After interviewing clients, staff, volunteers, and community members it was found that the name- The Center for the Prevention of Domestics Violence- was too long, and "prevention" was not indicative of our services. It was often too late for clients to prevent the situation in which they found themselves. The previous logo alluded to pain and despair. With this input, the board chose a personal name for the organization to represent the people we serve, T.E.S.S.A. Purple, the primary logo color, is recognized as the color that denotes the fight against domestic violence and sexual assault nationally. The golden start in the logo signifies someone coming into TESSA to seek help and hope, or someone breaking the cycle of violence to embark on a new life.
Trust. Education. Safety. Support. Advocacy.
The Official name change was launched August 18, 2001 at our annual fundraiser, Pasta in the Park.
2005
New Website Launch
In 2005, the website, tessacs.org was launched, along with a drop of the T.E.S.S.A. acronym. With more emphasis on the personal name and the cycle of violence breaking and someone seeking help and hope at TESSA.
2007
Move to Myron Stratton Home
In 2007, TESSA moved to the grounds of the Myron Stratton Home and debuted its new home with a kick off to it's 15th Annual Fundraiser, Pasta in the Park.
In his will, Winfield Scott Stratton left a legacy to provide for poor persons who are without means of support and who are physically unable by reason of old age, youth sickness or other infirmity to earn a livelihood. The Myron Stratton Home carries out his wishes by providing housing, programs, services, and grants to improve the quality of life of those less fortunate.
TESSA was one of three organizations that were introduced to the grounds in 2007, and has been here ever since.
Located right off of HWY 115, Near Southgate and the Broadmoor, is the Myron Stratton Home. Take a drive through the grounds, or walk along the paths where you may see some deer, or ducks, or maybe even a mama bear and her cubs!