Soteria House now open through efforts of many individuals
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HOME PAGE SLIDE SHOW PHOTO: The Soteria House grand opening event Friday at Union Station concluded with a ribbon cutting. Holding the scissors are Consolidated Care Inc. CEO Jeannie Dempster, left, and New Directions Program Director Debbie Brownlee, right. Also pictured are representatives from the shelter and Consolidated Care, from left, Regina Pursley, Nina Christensen, Denise Casto, Hope Duran and Becky Dixon. ABOVE: Michael Sheline from Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Office and manager of the Crime Victims Grant Programs speaks at the event. Behind him is a bedroom set, representativeMof the shelter that is now available to local victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through grants from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the United Way of Logan County. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MANDY LOEHR) |
Many hands have played a role in the successful opening of a new shelter in Logan County for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. It all started with an application for grant funding, and then involved scouting the perfect location, and finally, the work of volunteers who recently prepared the new house as a warm and inviting space for clients.
Friday morning, the efforts of these individuals to provide the local safe haven — the Soteria House — were celebrated during a grand opening event. Union Station, 613 Hamilton St., hosted the ceremony because the address of the shelter is kept confidential to protect the safety of its residents.
Debbie Brownlee, shelter program director for New Directions of Consolidated Care Inc., said the Soteria House officially opened about five weeks ago and is currently occupied by several families. It will supply food, clothing and personal items to meet immediate needs, along with direct intervention through a 24-hour crisis line, case management, advocacy and counseling.
The shelter is named Soteria for the Greek goddess or spirit of safety and salvation, deliverance and preservation from harm.
“Our house is not an institution; it is beautiful and it is very special to the six people who are living there right now,” she said. “It’s been a busy last couple of months to make this happen, but we can’t hardly believe it’s a reality right now.”
“We are beyond words excited for this place; it is a home where healing can begin,” fellow speaker and municipal court victim witness Lucretia Grogan agreed.
Local law enforcement can help direct victims in crisis situations to Soteria House representatives to begin the admission process. There also is a local crisis line available at (877) 394-1046.
The Logan County New Directions office, 1855 W. State Route 47, can be reached at 593-5777.
Read complete story in Saturday’s Examiner.
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