Barbara Dermanoski was a 37 year old housewife and mother of a 2 1/2 year old boy. She enjoyed being a mom and a productive member of society. However, there was a dark side to her ideal, outside appearance. Barbara was a victim of domestic violence and as a result suffered from severe Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTS), a common occurrence in individuals exposed to violence. Barbara did not know how to escape this violent world. The physical trauma completely shut her down emotionally and mentally. This breakdown ultimately ended her life.

In 1995, Barbara lost her battle with domestic violence. After a short trial, her husband was placed on probation for five years and served no jail time even though evidence concluded he had a history of abuse. Prior to her death, Barbara befriended an ex girlfriend of her husband who also experienced his abusive side. As this friendship evolved, Barbara shared her thoughts and ideas about victims of domestic violence. Her ultimate dream was to somehow provide a safe haven for woman of domestic violence, a place that allows children to grow in a stable and safe environment, away from violence. Barbara’s death was not in vain. Because of her committed friends and family, her ultimate dream became a reality.

In August 1996, in response to Barbara’s dream, the Barbara Dermanoski, Inc. T/A HAVEN was incorporated in the state of New Jersey and received their 501c(3). Haven's first governing Board meeting was held in January 1996. Barbara's employer held a fundraiser while local WAWA food stores raised funds for the unknown non-profit. These funds covered cost for printing, postage and research. Surveys on domestic violence were mailed, statistical data was collected and Haven’s Board reached out to the community. Local 54, the local chapters to the H.E.R.E allowed HAVEN to collect signatures supporting legislation addressing domestic violence. Eighteen hundred people supported the bill. It was not passed but this effort shed light on the domestic violence issues and hi-lighted Haven's mission.

In August 1999 the community responded and HAVEN acquired a 13-unit apartment building, located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Cape Savings Bank financed the funds for cosmetic renovations and by December 2000 Haven was 90% renovated and rented.

The building has 2-one bedroom units, 5-2bedroom units, 4-3 bedroom units and 2-4 bedroom units. It is manned with security monitors and has a full time superintendent. There is a laundry room on the first floor. Initially, we intended to implement a daycare but the median age of the youths residing at the apt. complex does not require this facility. What is needed is constructive play for the youths.

In May 2000 the state funded an educational program for domestic violence survivors titled, “Pattern Changing for Abused Women”. This is a program Haven uncovered while researching domestic violence. Although, Atlantic County offers most social services that are needed, educating the survivors of domestic violence was not one of them. The following year United Way recognized the need for this program and supported HAVEN in continuing its’ efforts to coordinate the development and implementation of this program.

HAVEN is truly a grassroots non-profit. A very small group of people believed they could make a difference and they did. Safe, affordable housing for domestic violence survivors is now available in Atlantic County. Additional housing is needed for this cover-up population and HAVEN has committed to meeting this need.

Haven intends to continue its growth in providing affordable housing and support services to the Atlantic County survivors of domestic violence. Our goal to educate the general public on domestic violence can be accomplished by establishing HAVEN affordable housing buildings in the general public communities. It is crucial that the population realize that domestic violence has no boundaries. It encompasses the young and old, rich and poor. In supports our youths to continue the cycle of domestic violence because it is a learned behavior. It determines our children’s behavior in the future.