Domestic violence is everyone's burden
HCC asks for your help

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Just as domestic violence affects everyone in a community, the tide can be turned by the generosity of those who support shelters such as Safe Passage.

Dr. Craig George and staff at Health Centered Chiropractic (HCC), Versailles, have launched a campaign to support Safe Passage and they invite others to join them. The shelter is always in need of toiletries, cleaning items, toys for kids, and pantry items. For a more specific list of items that are being collected you can call HCC at 689-3257. They will be collecting these items until January 12 at 1154 S. Ripley Estate Drive, Versailles.

“These items will not only be helpful during the holiday season, but throughout the year,” noted Dr. George, who thanked the community in advance for their “kindness and generosity.”

The need is great for the shelter with statistics for the last fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) being:
• 41 residential adult clients
• 52 residential children
• 343 non-residential clients
• 760 phone crisis calls
• 146 in-person crisis counseling
• 97 court accompaniments
• 116 support groups offered
• 173 support group attendees
• 79 community presentations
• 1599 presentation attendees
• 1151 referrals made for community assistance

Those at Safe Passage are grateful for community assistance such as the HCC group is providing. Last year there were several who contributed to the program, including Prosecutor Ric Hertel, who is the board president. His office organizes a walk/run each year with the proceeds benefiting Safe Passage.

From helping with projects at the shelter to spending time baby-sitting children whose mothers are in support groups, volunteers are vital to the success of the facility. To find out more about volunteering, you can contact Safe Passage at 812-933-1990 for more information. Donations can also be sent to PO Box 235, Batesville, IN 47006. You can also get information online at Safepassageinc.org.

While the sad truth remains that domestic violence is prevalent in our society, the flip side is presented through agencies such as Safe Passage, who offer help and hope to those in need. The mission statement of the shelter is, “Safe Passage Inc. through its shelter facility, services, programs and networking will end the cycle of violence by empowering individuals and families to attain healthy relationships and personal responsibility.”

Those at the shelter work toward that goal and in the meantime provide a safe haven for those in immediate need. You can call their toll free number for help at 1-877-733-1990.