Furthermore, "domestic violence" isn't a term the group's clients often use, said Executive Director Kathy Anderson.

"No one calls here and says, 'I'm experiencing domestic violence.' They call and say, 'I know somebody deserves this more than I do, but ' or 'Mine isn't that bad, but ,'" said Anderson. "It takes a while on the phone for it to come out what's really going on."

So a new name was in order, but how to go about finding one? It needed to be something victims would recognize and relate to.

"If our potential clients and existing clients can't find us, there's a chance they could be in imminent danger," said board member Kathleen Harrigan. "We couldn't have any hiccups with that."

'A NAME THAT FEELS GOOD'

Enter graphic designer Byron Glaser.

The president of Zolo, which makes quirky toys and decorative items, attended his first Empty Bowl Fundraiser in January. Ticket-holders enjoy homemade soup and get to keep the bowls, crafted by local potters. And proceeds benefit the nonprofit.

Glaser said hearing from survivors at the event was eye-opening.

"I think domestic violence is not really spoken of. It's like how cancer used to be. So I haven't ever really been focused on the issue," said Glaser. "I was definitely drawn in."

Members of the organization approached him after noticing a colorful ad he'd created in their program for some of the event's sponsors. Glaser agreed to help with the new name and later joined the board.

The group tossed around words like serenity, peace and refuge, but those felt too passive to Glaser. He wanted something that conveyed the inner strength the organization's clients possessed.

He suggested "powerhouse," but committee members weren't sure about that, especially since power is often associated with harm in abusive relationships. But Patricia liked the imagery and convinced the others it was the right direction.

"Power's not a bad thing," she said. "It's a strength women need when they're broken down, the power to come back from where he put you."

The end result was Empowerhouse, which got a thumbs-up from the organization's longtime supporters. The old black-and-white logo is now replaced by a colorful modern one designed by Glaser.

He also created and donated bold yellow-and-orange brochures featuring stories--in English and Spanish--from survivors. Art & Sign F/X of Stafford donated the sleek new signs for Empowerhouse's office.

The nonprofit's goal was always to empower survivors of abuse, said Anderson. Now its name reflects that.

"We're so excited to have a name that feels good," she said. "To have a little bit of beauty in the midst of it all and for survivors to see beautiful pieces with their stories on them, it gives people a boost."

Patricia said she hopes the organization's new identity and striking literature inspire people to talk about domestic violence--and encourage survivors like her to seek help when they need it.

"Empowerhouse is a cool name, and it means so much to so many people," said Patricia, who urges people to take action if they think someone is being abused. "You need to say, 'Do you need help? I can help you. I know a place you can go.' I think women will feel good coming in the door."

Edie Gross: 540/374-5428
Email: egross@freelancestar.com