Domestic violence shelter coming to meet needs of Wright County area

Currently, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault needing a safe shelter must be taken nearly an hour from their homes to either Springfield and West Plains.
That soon will change thanks to the vision of the Southern Missouri Advocates, Inc., a nonprofit group formed in 2002 that has signed a purchase agreement for a 5,890 sq. ft. facility on 4.75 acres in Wright County.
Along with a $1.5 million financial plan for staffing, furnishings and equipment, the local shelter will provide a safe home for up to eight families at a time.
There are eight bedrooms and up to 28 beds. The home will also feature a common living room, counseling offices and a secured facility space for classes and group activities.
A kennel area will also be set up behind the home for pets.
The facility will allow SMA, Inc. to “provide comprehensive holistic services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; provide a 24-hour, seven day a week crisis hotline for emergencies; provide counseling and trauma therapy; provide healing and opportunity; and provide training and education.
“The stories we see and hear are often overwhelming and heartbreaking,” says Brenda Cameron, Southern Missouri Advocates, Inc. President who is also the victim advocate for the Wright County Prosecutor’s Office. “As the victims advocate for the Wright County Prosecuting Attorney’s office, I have witnessed first hand the incredible journey from chaos and pain to safety and peace.”
Cameron once started a shelter in Idaho and has worked in victim advocacy since 1997.
The kickoff for renovating and staffing a shelter servicing victims from Wright, Douglas, Texas and Ozark counties, is the First Annual Grand Event on Friday, Feb. 27 at The Candler Venue in Mountain Grove.
The emcee will be former State Rep. Hannah Kelly, who will be joined by guest speaker John Tyrrell, Wright County Prosecuting Attorney. State Rep. Melissa Schmidt will be the keynote speaker.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with a dinner following at 6:30 p.m. Speakers will begin at 7 p.m.
There will also be a live auction and silent auction.
Tickets for the event are $100 or $700 for a table of eight.
Sponsorship levels are $5,000 for platinum, $2,500 for gold and $1,000 for silver.
Tickets can be purchase through calling Aaron Swank, Board Secretary/Treasurer, at 417-349-0109.
They soon can be purchased at www.somoadvocates.org.
There are also building sponsorship opportunities for those wishing to donate.
Name the building for $100,000, Memorial Garden sponsorships $50,000, $50,000 for fencing or playground, $40,000 for the kitchen, $25,000 for the community or conference room, $15,000 for lobby/reception, $10,000 for advocate office or library or $7,500 for a playroom.
The Memorial Garden will provide a quiet place for victims. Other sponsorships there include a bench for $2,500, a brick for either $500 or $1,000 and a tree for $300.
“We’re seeking grants and looking for the community to step up and be generous to make this happen to help keep women and kids safe,” said Executive Director Kristi Swank.
The Southern Missouri Advocates, Inc. Board includes Brenda Cameron (President), Aaron Swank (Secretary/Treasurer), and Board members Jeff Holman, Jacqueline Devenport and Susan Woodward.
The Advisory Board includes John Tyrrell, Kristi Akers, Dr. Christine Correjo (MD) and Mountain Grove Police Chief Daniel Bledsoe.