Domestic violence nonprofit opens 2nd shelter

Photo provided by The Rebound Foundation

Christina, right, and Dana Ford in 2018 brought The Rebound Foundation to Springfield.

The Rebound Foundation will open its second transitional living shelter this month for domestic violence victims.

Christina and Dana Ford brought the domestic violence awareness and support nonprofit to Springfield last year when Dana was tapped as Missouri State University’s head men’s basketball coach.

The second Marda’s House will be home to a woman and her children, said Viviana Writer, a Rebound Foundation board member and business development manager for Enterprise Commercial Group LLC, which is leasing the property to the nonprofit through its property management division.

The first Marda’s House opened in November 2018, and Writer said it’s home to three women. The cost to secure both homes was $11,000 combined. The nonprofit has no paid staff and relies on volunteers, led by Christina Ford, said Writer.

After a six- to 12-month stay at the shelter, Writer said Enterprise will help the women find permanent housing.

“We share in the belief that circumstance should not define the outcome, as well as the drive to develop and strengthen the community in Springfield and the surrounding area,” said Jamie Thomas, general manager of Enterprise’s property management division, in a news release. “We are excited to assist in the need for safe, clean and affordable housing for survivors as they transition to the next phase of their life.”

The Rebound Foundation announced on Twitter that the nonprofit’s first fundraiser, the Rebound Challenge, raised $11,824 at the Feb. 10 MSU versus Illinois State University men’s basketball game.

“It’s always been our vision to support women and children survivors of domestic abuse through transitional housing. The Rebound is proud to offer this service to our residents and give them the time they need to successfully prepare for the next step,” said Rebound Foundation founder Christina Ford, in the release.