HANNIBALWhile they move to a new location, the Avenues Shelter for Violence and Sexual Abuse Survivors’ interim executive director is reassuring the public that their vital services in an 11-county area will continue.
There’s a warning. Maggie Strong said to Muddy River News, “And we understand that.” Our board of directors did not close this shelter without giving it a lot of thought. For our standard of care, they believed it was ideal.
Strong claims that the dilapidated structure they were utilizing simply was no longer suitable. They are currently renovating their new building. The clients’ move-in date is not set in stone.
We’re collaborating with them in this manner and concentrating on outreach and advocacy. so that the new shelter will help us in the future. All of these customers are currently being worked with to determine the best placement for them.
The board also made the decision to switch leadership, firing two co-executive directors and appointing Strong as interim executive director to help direct services.
To ensure that the clients and individuals we serve in Northeast Missouri are getting the best care possible, we are proceeding with the process of appointing a permanent leader for the organization. They are, too. All we’re doing is trying to keep that going.
The 24-hour confidential hotline is still online at 833-243-6366 for anyone dealing with domestic violence or sexual abuse.
For the clients who are now searching for housing, the United Way of the Mark Twain Area is trying to increase support through donations.
Denise Damron, executive director of the United Way, has been contacting church and community organizations. They established a dedicated Avenues fund.
Individual gifts, regardless of size, can add up, she told MRN.
According to Damron, we were assisting a customer with submitting an application. And that included a $37 background check cost. But it might as well be $3,700 when you don’t have $37. Therefore, the money that has already been deposited into that fund can be used to assist with the cost of equipping her so that she can find residence.
You can find a link to that fund here.
