In studio with Nancy Furness, Jatinder Bhatti and Kim Hempler with Tri-Cities Transitions talk about the challenges in providing shelter and support for women trying to escape abusive relationships. Story by LJI reporter Yuna Fahim. Founded in the mid 70’s Tri-Cities Transitions has been providing this service to the Tri-Cities region for 50 years. While many of the women Tri-Cities Transitions serves are escaping physical abuse, many are escaping other forms of abuse such as emotional, psychological, financial, and even verbal. Not all those seeking shelter are women. Tri-Cities Transitions provides support for anyone seeking assistance in an abusive relationship. This includes men seeking support and even parents or grandparents who often suffer from financial abuse. According to Mrs. Bhatti one of the biggest challenges they face is the stigma associated with all forms of abuse. Many of those seeking shelter deal with feelings of shame, fear, and sometimes societal pressure to return to an abusive relationship. Mrs. Hempler also noted that quite often financial concerns prevent people from escaping from a bad situation. Of course, this is only exacerbated when it’s a family situation where children are involved. Mrs. Bhatti and Mrs.Hempler credit VanCity, for supporting Tri-Cities Transitions through their Christmas Hamper program, and Cobbs Bread for providing bread products for those seeking assistance from Tri-Cities Transitions. On September 20th Tri-Cities Transitions will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary from 7pm to 11pm at the Port Moody Legion Club 119. For more information about attending Or how you can support Tri-Cities Transitions check out ; https://tricitytransitions.com