Home Start Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to child abuse prevention and providing evidence-based family strengthening services, with locations in Oceanside and Escondido, raised nearly $50,000 for the organization’s critical programs at its 15th Annual Hallo-Wine Festival on Oct. 22 at the Historic Burnham House in Balboa Park.

Home Start’s Hallo-Wine Fall Festival is held every October in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The funds raised by sponsors, community supporters, and attendees support Home Start’s programs that provide assistance to vulnerable children and families. Home Start services to San Diegans in crisis include housing, wraparound supportive services, parent education, therapy, job training, and food access.

“I am so thankful to the sponsors, attendees, vendors, and volunteers who came together to help make this year’s Hallo-Wine one of our best ever,” Home Start CEO, Laura Tancredi-Baese said. “Everyone who was present shared Home Start’s dedication to helping children and families break free from the cycles of domestic violence, homelessness, abuse, and neglect. The feeling of concern and compassion was palpable all afternoon.”

This year’s festival was presented by TCW Global. Hallo-Wine attendees were able to enjoy a variety of gourmet hors d’oeuvres, boutique wines, hand-crafted beers, and local spirits, in addition to live entertainment, silent auction and many other interactive games. Guests also heard from Sa’Rhea, a Home Start client who shared her personal story of how the organization helped her escape the cycle of abuse and find a safe and stable home for her and her daughter.

Home Start’s vision is for every child to have a safe, stable, and nurturing home. For over 50 years, Home Start has strengthened and developed San Diego’s vulnerable families and communities.

For those interested in helping, Home Start coordinates volunteers, accepts donations, and operates a thrift boutique and Bright Futures Candles social enterprises to provide job training for formerly homeless young mothers and youths.

For more information, visit www.home-start.org.

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