Herstory of the BORA Women's Network

1989

In summer of 1989 five young women social workers come together and outline the initial conception of the women's shelter. On their job at a welfare organization they are confronted with the harsh realities of the lives of battered women and children. In the former GDR there was little understanding and neither adequate support nor shelters for women fleeing from violence.

1990

The conception of the women's shelter is put into reality in spring 1990. With the help of the "Round Tables" a suitable house is found. Reverend Schneider, who was then the director of the East-Berlin Inner Mission, comes up with the financing. Soon women and children move into the first women's shelter of the former GDR.

1992

Foundation of BORA e.V.
The organization is registered as a formal association to soon take on responsibility for the provision of services.

1993

The BORA Counseling Center in Berlin-Weißensee opens, the BORA Shelter Apartments Program provides six transitional apartments for women escaping violence.

1996

BORA e.V. becomes solely responsible for all BORA programs and all services offered. The organization remains within the umbrella association Diakonisches Werk Berlin-Brandenburg e.V., the independent regional association of the Diakonische Werk of the Protestant Church of Germany, one of the leading welfare organizations in Germany.

2000

Major restructuring of BORA e.V. The new offices open.

2001

The Communal Housing for Women Program admits women and children for the first time.

2002

The new Non-Residential Help Program offers individual counseling and support for children from violent homes and their mothers.