Sara Ciacci, z”l, was a passionate advocate against domestic violence, establishing ASTEH, an emergency shelter for women escaping abuse. (photo from JFS Vancouver)
Sara Ciacci, z”l, is, in many ways, an urban legend – a name synonymous with impact, compassion and transformative change in our community.
Ciacci dedicated her life to fighting food insecurity, most notably co-founding the Jewish Food Bank in 1984. She was also a passionate advocate against domestic violence, establishing ASTEH (Alternative Short Term Emergency Housing), an emergency shelter for women escaping abuse. And JFS Vancouver has recently honoured Ciacci’s extraordinary impact by renaming ASTEH to Sara’s House, a tribute to her unwavering commitment to empowering women and building their resilience.
A survivor of domestic violence herself, Ciacci deeply understood the fear, shame and stigma that women and children face when escaping abuse. Her firsthand experience drove her determination to create a safe space where Jewish women and their children could find refuge and rebuild their lives.
Sanctuary for women, children
Sara’s House is a community-based housing facility providing security, stability and support to Jewish women and their children fleeing violence or at risk of homelessness. With the guidance of JFS counselors and care managers, women are empowered to explore their options and make decisions that lead to a safer, more hopeful future.
Over the years, Sara’s House has been a haven for dozens of women and their children. One such story is Abby’s.
When Abby first walked into JFS, she was overwhelmed with fear and desperation. Fifteen years into her marriage, a sudden violent shift forced her to confront the emotional, verbal and financial abuse that had been present from the start. She never thought she would find herself in this situation.
Abby recalled a comment from JFS executive director Tanja Demajo.
“Tanja told me she felt I had a very good chance of getting out of the abuse and I was a good candidate for ASTEH housing,” said Abby. “By the end, I felt overwhelming relief. It was the life preserver I needed to get out.”
A lasting tribute
JFS Vancouver is profoundly grateful for Ciacci’s legacy of dedication, empathy and action. With the renaming of ASTEH to Sara’s House, her vision of providing a haven for women and children will live on, inspiring future generations to continue the work of protecting and empowering those in need.
Community support helps sustain Sara’s House and the life-changing services it provides. To learn more or to contribute, visit jfsvancouver.ca/donate.
– Courtesy JFS Vancouver