By Elizabeth Weaver
Intern
Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc., celebrated its 30th anniversary last week when the group that has delivered refuge from dangerous homes to nearly 60,000 people reflected on its accomplishments and recognized the staff, volunteers and donors that drive the group’s growth.
During the organization’s annual awards program Jan. 21 at the University of North Carolina Wilmington Warwick Center Ballroom, executive director Mary Ann Lama reflected on the immense progress the shelter has made since its opening January 1986.
“This is a very important milestone for us,” Lama said. “It’s a time for us to reflect back on some of our accomplishments and see how far we’ve come.”
Starting with three staff members and no property value, Domestic Violence Shelter and Services now has a staff of 28 and operates out of four buildings. In 2015, the shelter assisted 115 women, three men and 84 children. Over the course of 30 years the shelter has assisted cumulatively 47,000 adult victims and 12,000 children.
“Each of those numbers is a very real human life and a strong survivor who has reached out for help,” Lama said. “We always ask ourselves who is in here and why. That’s something I learned my first year when I went to a national conference and we were challenged to ask ourselves that question every time we looked at a program. Our staff has been phenomenal at that.”
For three decades, the shelter has provided immediate support services to any adult or child who is searching shelter from a violent or neglectful home environment, Lama said, noting the group’s ultimate goal is to eliminate violence against women and children. Services offered include shelter, intervention, advocacy, communication between partnering agencies and victims, criminal justice assistance, provision of necessities, and multiple support groups and children’s programs.
Lama recognized groups of people who have donated time and support. Two staffers have almost 40 combined years of service with the shelter: Elaine Booth has contributed 22 years and Billie Blackwell 16 years. Lama said Wilmington city officials, Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous, New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon and the Wilmington Recreational Center provide key support for the organization.
The shelter also announced new board members, with 2016’s new members including Jen Adler, Robert Clayton, Arlene Anderson, Chasity Chase and M. Maxine Hicks. Each member is responsible for one full year of service and is renewable for up to six years. The group also announced its 2016 Board of Directors, which now includes President Robert Weber, Vice-President Karen Kirk, Secretary Susan Willett and Treasurer Kathy Willison.
Lauren Daley, the shelter’s director of operations and development, presented a quilt that the group uses to showcase the ongoing support of the community. Each square represents a donor and community supporter of the shelter.
“Our agency quilt is a special way to honor the ongoing support of the community both far and near. The quilt is on display throughout the year. It’s a visual testimony for the support of lifelong friends,” Daley said.
The shelter welcomes volunteers, who donated a total of 2,000 hours last year. Anyone interested in volunteering or anyone seeking shelter should visit the shelter located at The Open Gate at 2901 Market St. For more information on services provided, call 910-343-0703 or visit www.domesticviolence-wilm.org
