The latest news from Morning Star Sanctuary...
Without the time and talents of our many volunteers, Morning Star Sanctuary would not be able to impact the lives of domestic violence victims and their children in such great ways. Recently, two of these wonderful individuals were honored as Volunteers of the Year by Financial Resources for Women and Children. For security purposes, we have chosen to identify the award recipients by their initials only. However, we do want to tell you a little about their involvement and service to our organization.
After spending thirty-four years in Texas, N.W. moved back to the Nashville area in 2002. Her sister, S.D., who has been an educator in Nashville for more than fourty years, was already involved in the Morning Star Mentoring Program so N.W. decided to join her in this work. For ten years these two ladies have been faithful mentors meeting with their mentees and also caring for the children during regular, monthly Mentor meetings.
Following is the acceptance speech given by Rhonda Yaeger, when she was awarded The Brenda Brown Award as the Outstanding Domestic Violence Victim Advocate of the Year:
"I feel very fortunate to receive this honor today and I thank the Nashville Coalition Against Domestic Violence for nominating me. I would also like to say thank you to all the victims of domestic violence who touch my life on a daily basis and who I continue to learn from. Victims of domestic violence seeking to live their lives free from abuse are some of the strongest women I have met. Many have told me that accessibility of services and resources along with mentoring is the key to building the strong foundation necessary to maintain an abuse free life. This information is validated by studies that have shown that women who receive legal, medical and social systems advocacy are more likely to follow through with remedies available to them than women who do not receive advocacy. Unfortunately with the economic climate being what it is, funding is decreasing and the need for services is increasing. Studies reported by the National Network to End Domestic Violence show that domestic violence is more than three times as likely to occur when couples are experiencing financial strain as when they are not experience financial strain. In addition the National Network to End Domestic Violence reports that “not enough funding” is the number one reason domestic violence service providers are unable to serve victims. We all need to do what we can to facilitate an adequate level of funding on all levels (state, federal and local) in order to accommodate the needs of victims. I would also like five very strong women who I have had the great privilege to know. My mother and grandmother taught me about love and life. These two women were very resilient in their circumstances and overcame hard times that showed me the importance of believing in what is right and just. Also, I would like to thank Judge Gloria Dumas who has been a friend of mine through dark times as well as good times in both our lives. She has been a part of my adult life from the time I could call myself an adult. For those who are not aware of where she came from and what she has endured I can only say that we could all learn from her should she ever choose to tell her story. She is a dear friend and mentor to me to me and I greatly appreciate her friendship. In addition, I would like to thank Gena Hull and Rachel Terry have not only been a great inspiration to me in how they handle themselves personally, professionally they have also taught me how to see things in a different way when it comes to working with victims of domestic violence. They encourage and motivate me on a daily basis and I appreciate them for all the work they do in the fight against domestic violence. Lastly, I would like to thank my husband Joel for his never ending love and support and to all my friends and family who have been there for me as I continue to travel in my life's journey."
**************************************************************************************************
Morning Star Shelter Stats from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011
-We served 77 (unduplicated) women for a total of 2512 shelter nights
-We served 60 (unduplicated) children for a total of 1776 shelter nights
-We served 2 Youth IPV Victims for a total of 36 shelter nights
-We served 2 men for 8 shelter nights
-Total unduplicated clients served = 139 for a total of 4296 shelter nights
-We also answered 1287 crisis/hotline calls from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011
-119 adults were provided Support Group Counseling
-Mentoring Program had 19 adult participants and 20 children
-Mentoring Program has 43 active volunteer mentors
Morning Star Volunteers Stats from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011
-76 active volunteers (including board members)
-2,822 volunteer hours
Morning Star Night Court Project Stats from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011
-Funded by Metro CEF grant, Byrne Grant, and Cal Turner Foundation
-Assists victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault with their petitions for Orders of Protection, safety planning, and other services needed for their safety
-From July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, the Night Court staff assisted 1,543 victims with their petitions
Morning Star Court Advocacy Program Stats from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011
-Partially funded by Metro CEF grant. Remainder is funded by the Office of Criminal Justice Programs
-From July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, Morning Star Court Advocates assisted a total of 1,473 victims with their permanent Orders of Protection and other services in criminal, juvenile, and civil courts
Morning Star HOPE children’s counseling stats from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011
-Provided counseling for 104 children, which is 15% higher than the previous fiscal year
-Established by Morning Star and the Domestic Violence Division of the Metro Police Department
-Child victims are referred to the HOPE program through juvenile court, the Department of Children’s Services, Legal Aid, the YWCA, and other shelters and programs.
***************************************************************************************************
On Monday, June 27, eighty-eight women golfers gathered at the Brentwood Country Club to take part in a very special day planned and directed by Amy Cottrell, who is a member of the Morning Star Sanctuary Board of Directors. This was the second year for the "Brentwood Country Club 9 Hole Ladies" event and gave these women a way to assist other women while spending the day enjoying one of their favorite pastimes.
From the participation of the golfers and the many corporate sponsors, a $20,000 donation was made to support the much needed programs and services of Morning Star Sanctuary.
Omega was this year's Green Fee sponsor and the businesses and individuals listed below participated as hole sponsors. Please join us in thanking them and contact our business sponsors for your personal or business needs.
Lexus Sweet CeCe's Superior Homes & Remodeling
BMW Sonic Drive-In Michael Headrick
Land Rover UBS Soy Teriyaki Bistro
Well Planned Events Vanderbilt Hand Center The Brassfield Family
PricePoint Furniture Roesch-Patton Funeral Home Caterpillar Financial Services
Dr. Kellye Rice, DMD Modern Marine Michael Portacci
Brentview Realty Paul and Lynne Anderson
