Dear editors,
Please utilize the press release below at your earliest convenience. We will be sending out a second press release in a few days regarding the event Singin' for The Shelter, mentioned at the bottom of this press release, including the shedule of perfomances along with photos of the artists.
Thank you!
Douglas Stevenson
Village Media Services
douglas@villagemedia.com
For immediate release, October 1, 2018: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, established to shine a light upon the sad truth that domestic violence is all too common. This type of family violence is present in all economic levels of our society, crosses racial boundaries, and takes many forms. Domestic violence is about control and can be as much about instilling fear through intimidation as about physical violence. Living in these difficult circumstances, especially as a child, has a direct impact on quality of life.
The Shelter in Lawrenceburg has been helping women and their children break away from the cycle of abuse is for over 30 years. The Shelter has provided a safe haven for those escaping from domestic violence, serving citizens of Lawrenceburg and surrounding areas in Middle Tennessee. Literally thousands of women have come though doors of The Shelter, as their first step in starting over, finding the support needed to gain the strength and the voice to break away from their abusers.
For a woman to leave her abuser can be a very difficult step. There is often financial dependence on their abuser for housing, and food for themselves and their children. It takes a great deal of courage and support to break the cycle and begin again in a new direction of self-respect and independence. If you or anyone you know needs help with a domestic violence situation we provide a 24/7 hotline 931-762-1115.
Tennessee has 95 counties and only 36 shelters, and cuts in government funding have caused the closing of 5 shelters state wide in just the last two years. This means each existing shelter often serves several surrounding counties. We are extremely fortunate in Lawrence County to have two domestic violence shelters. In addition to Lawrence County, The Shelter Inc. provides care for women and children from Giles, Wayne and Lewis counties. Currently, The Shelter Inc. receives no State or Federal funding and is entirely supported by individuals, churches, businesses and civic groups, and through donations and purchases at the 3 C’s Boutique, located at 317 Geri Street in the Northgate Plaza.
The 3 C’s Boutique offers new and gently used clothing, shoes and accessories, acquired through donations. They are selectively assembled into attractive outfits for the modern woman at more than affordable prices. The 3 C’s also provides nice clothes for those who arrive at The Shelter with very few possessions. The 3 C’s stand for Caring, Courage, and Change, symbolizing the essential components that are the foundation of The Shelter’s mission. The boutique hours are, Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you would like to shop or volunteer, stop by the store to offer your time and learn how you can be involved.
You can also show your support by wearing purple during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Stop by the 3 C’s Boutique to purchase a t-shirt or a purple ribbon to hang on your mail box, on your door or in a window.
As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, The Shelter is hosting a free benefit concert Sunday, October 14, starting at 2 PM, at the historic Crockett Theater. A wide variety of artists from the area are contributing their talents, using the power of music to open the heart and bring people together in support of this important service for our community. There is a little something for everyone, with some good gospel, contemporary pop, banjo and fiddle, and then a little rock and roll to close the show. Stay tuned for further announcements. Check out the lineup and more information on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/TheShelterLawrenceburg under the event “Singin’ for The Shelter” or visit our web site www.theshelterforchange.org.
We all benefit when mothers and their children are cared for and no longer have to live in fear. It begins by all of us becoming more aware of the problem and working together to find solutions, as beacons of light and love.
