1976

In 1976, a task force was formed to study the housing needs of women in Northwest Florida. From that study, it was apparent there was no housing available for victims of spouse abuse and their children. To address that need the Task Force on Spouse Abuse was formed under the guidance of the YWCA. In June 1979, the Spouse Abuse Task Force became the Favor (Family Anti-Violence in Organized Response) House Advisory Council, a program of the YWCA. During that year, funding became available from the Marriage License Trust Fund. FavorHouse was the designated program recipient for funds in District I. Because of growth and expanded services, the YWCA felt it could not accept the responsibility of a growing program. Consequently in 1980, the FavorHouse Advisory Council became independent of the YWCA and incorporated as FavorHouse of Northwest Florida, Inc., and a Florida not-for-profit corporation

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1980

Since 1980, the agency has relocated the shelter twice, each time adding more beds and more rooms. An expansive project, which included four bedrooms and two baths, was completed in March 1999. The Escambia emergency shelter capacity is 50 beds with a children’s playroom and a children’s counseling room.

 

1993

In November 1993, the Board completed construction of a new counseling center. The center encompasses 2,400 square feet and provides facilities for board meetings, victim’s programs counseling, the batterer’s intervention program, community education, and professional seminars.

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1999

May 22, 1999, the counseling center was destroyed by a fire, which started in the outside weather head as it entered the exterior power supply. July 1999, the Board commenced restoration of the center. Plans to expand the counseling center by adding an additional 750 square feet of space was accelerated to match the restoration project. In December 1999, we moved into our restored and expanded counseling center, with two new offices and an additional classroom, with seating capacity for 20. The classroom is used for women’s education classes, small groups, workshops, and committee meetings.

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2000

October 2000, the Board purchased 4.5 acres with an existing residence of 3,000 square feet. June 6, 2001, the facility was certified as a 21-bed shelter for Santa Rosa County. January 2002, the shelter debt was paid in full.

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2005

May of 2005 FavorHouse of Northwest Florida, Inc. celebrated 25 years of service to the community. FavorHouse hosted our First White Rose luncheon with 350 attendees and Governor Jeb Bush as guest speaker. The FavorHouse White Rose Luncheon is a venue to recognize an extraordinary survivor of domestic violence for their display of exceptional courage with the “White Rose Award” and a community member who has distinguished themselves in service to FavorHouse and our mission of helping domestic violence victims become survivors.

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2006

June 2006 Escambia Shelter renovation from Hurricane Ivan was completed.

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2007

January 2007 renovation and upgrade of Santa Rosa Shelter was completed. January 2007 commenced plans for renovation and expansion of our transitional home.​ May 2007 the third White Rose luncheon was held. The Board under the leadership of Bill Smart, President 2004-2006, created and established this very special event. The 2007 FavorHouse Distinguished Service Award was presented to Mrs. Mary Smart in honor of Mr. Bill Smart who passed away in March of 2007. The luncheon was a well attended community event where survivors and supporters come together.

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2009

January 2009 the Santa Rosa County outreach facility was destroyed by a fire located in the Milton Historical District that destroyed one city block. Victim services continued in loaned facilities while the agency was in transition. The center was expanded and relocated to a modern commercial plaza in Milton.​

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2010

Original Transitional Home becomes FavorHouse Kids Center. A grant from IMPACT 100 allowed us to renovate the home into a kid-friendly environment for a wide variety of children services.

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2013

FavorHouse receives another IMPACT 100 grant for the “Safe Haven for People & Paws” project. This project added amenities at both Shelters to allow us to take in pets when victims need to flee with them.

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2020

The COVID 19 Pandemic hits and alters how we provide services to try to ensure the health & safety of staff and participants. Services to victims never ceased, as the staff learned to adapt how we provide support.

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2021

After 34 years as the Executive Director & leading FavorHouse through numerous program expansions, destructive fires, facility renovations, and so much more, Sue Hand passed away unexpectedly in July.

Marsha Travis, Program Director, is named Interim Executive Director.

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2022

The FavorHouse Board hired Tracie Hodson as the new Executive Director. She took leadership in June.