Norma Belton, director of programs and shelter operations at Providence House, said having the opportunity to work with the Renesting volunteers has been a blessing.

“Normally, what we would do is take the furniture and set it up (in the apartment), and then the families would come in and personalize it with flowers, pictures and stuff like that,” she said. “Well, working with the Renesting Project, that’s what they do for the families. They come in and arrange the furniture in the house and decorate it.”

The only thing the family has to do, Belton added, is move their clothing into the home.

Police took her boyfriend to jail, and she went to the Providence House. Now, almost a week later, the bruises have started to fade, but the emotional pain stings more than ever.

Broadway’s children were among the 100 children who received brand new school supplies Friday from Capital One Bank.

The financial institution hosted a Back-to-School Bash for children living at the Providence House, a non-profit organization that helps homeless families move into self-stability.

“Louisiana has had the unfortunate distinction of leading the nation in female homicides for many years,” said Meeks. “Almost 40 domestic violence related homicides have occurred in the first 6 months of 2010 in Louisiana — including 5 homicides in Caddo Parish and 2 homicides in Ouachita Parish. We are keenly aware that citizens in the Shreveport area need and deserve a quality resource that can provide them services, support and education as they address this critical community concern and we are pleased to have Providence House filling that role.”