In 2003, Charmagne Helton found refuge in the Gwinnett shelter of Partners Against Domestic Violence. “It was one of the best decisions I ever made,” recalled Helton, who stayed at the shelter for seven weeks after leaving an abusive marriage.
Helton received the Purple Heart with Hope Award at the Hearts of Hope Gala held at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead on recently. The award recognizes and honors the significant achievements of a survivor who has overcome the barriers to living violence free. She is now a partner at a human resources consulting firm in Atlanta.
“There is so much about this topic that is not a positive conversation, so this gala was started to celebrate the successes of these survivors and to show our appreciation to our community for continuing to support PADV’s mission,” said President and CEO Meagan Fulmer. “Women like Charmagne are holding examples to other women showing them that they can do this too. They do not have to accept that kind of life.”
In its 37th year, PADV is the oldest and largest nonprofit domestic violence organization in Georgia which serves over 500 women a year.
The organization provides parenting services, legal advocacy, and the supportive housing program that offers rental, utility, childcare, employment, legal, and educational financial assistance as well as transitional housing to battered women working to live independently.
PADV is supported with the help of over 250 volunteers, but there is always a need. Ginny Yates, board member and gala sponsorship chair, said, “Whether it is being on the crisis line, volunteering at our shelters, or having groups come to revitalize our shelters with gardening and painting, our volunteers are very important to the recovery of these women.”
One-in-4 women, 1-in-7 men, and 1-in-3 teenagers will be victims of domestic violence. PADV provides education to teens, businesses, hospitals, judges, and more about the issues of domestic violence. “We need to start conversations in our community to spread awareness and prevent this abuse,” she added. “We can’t change anyone’s life until we have the conversation.”
With 400 people in attendance, The Hearts of Hope Gala raised $602,000. The money raised will go toward recovery programs and community education efforts.
To get involved with Partnership Against Domestic Violence, visit www.padv.org
In Other News: The Campbell Soup Company and National Association of Letter Carriers will host the nation's largest single-day food drive on May 12. To participate in the 20th Stamp Out Hunger food drive, people are asked to place non-perishable food items next to the home mailbox prior to regular mail delivery. All food collected for the food drive will be donated to local hunger-relief organizations.
About the Author
