About EDVP: History, 1983-1987

More programs were added in 1983, establishing the core of EDVP’s crisis services. The 24-hour crisis line, staffed primarily by volunteers, opened. Additional battered women’s support groups were added, including one in the Snoqualmie Valley. Six more safe homes were established on the Eastside. The comprehensive volunteer program was started, with 27 volunteers receiving training. The volunteer Speaker’s Bureau was established to continue education efforts. Collaboration with the Bellevue Police Department continued to develop. Eastside Domestic Violence Program published educational materials and police officers distributed them to victims for every domestic violence call they responded to. Community education was extended to all Eastside police departments as well as to other community agencies. The agency worked out of space at Grace Lutheran Church.

In 1984, the US Attorney General’s Task Force on Domestic Violence picked Eastside Domestic Violence Program as a model of a coordinated community approach to intervention in domestic violence cases. A children’s counseling program and a transition program for battered women was added. The direct service volunteer program grew to include 60 volunteers, with their jobs growing to include legal advocacy.

The years 1985-1987 brought steady growth. The agency was ready to plan its next major developmental step. An agency evaluation in 1985 demonstrated the need for expanded space. The City of Bellevue granted $127,300 to purchase a facility for training, counseling and administration. The agency moved into its confidential location on Lake Hills Blvd. in Bellevue in mid-1986. EDVP became a member agency of United Way that same year. Services in the Snoqualmie Valley were enhanced with the addition of an outreach program to serve isolated victims. A pilot counseling group for adolescent victims of domestic violence was initiated. A transitional safe home pilot project was begun. Paid and volunteer staff continued gradual growth. Board, staff and volunteers joined together to create a five year plan. The agency’s first computer was donated in 1987.

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