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Working Together for Peace
Rev. Greg Dover Receives “Working Together for Peace” Award from Safe Harbor
“Domestic violence is one type of suffering in which there is nothing to be gained by being submissive or obedient.” These are the words of Greg Dover, associate pastor of Earle Street Baptist Church, from a sermon through which he addressed the issue of domestic violence this Fall. In January, Dover was selected by Safe Harbor as the winner of their first annual Working Together for Peace sermon-writing challenge. Safe Harbor, a non-profit organization serving victims of domestic violence and their children, encouraged faith leaders throughout the Upstate to address the issue of domestic violence with their congregations through a worship service and to submit their sermons for this sermon-writing challenge.
Through his sermon, Dover spoke about the danger of using certain words or language in Holy Scripture to justify violence or abuse. “Gracious submission is not about submitting to violence, but about submitting to God’s grace, trusting in God’s goodness,” said Dover.
In his sermon, Dover addressed the issue of human suffering and the language of “submission” and “obedience” that is found Hebrews 4:14-5:10. He explained the Christian understanding that, because Christ has endured the same pain and hardships that all human beings do, individuals ought to remain “obedient” to God during times of suffering. However, Dover emphasized that this “obedience” language should not be misinterpreted to make Christians think that they must submit to violence or to endure abuse from another person.
“Domestic abuse is about control and violence…and that’s it. There is nothing redemptive about it,” he said.
Safe Harbor hopes that their annual sermon-writing challenge will encourage more ministers and faith leaders to discuss the issue of domestic violence with their congregations, explaining that domestic violence is contrary to their faith. “Domestic violence affects people of all ages, races, religions, and income levels, but victims often struggle in silence. They feel that they are alone and are ashamed to seek help,” says Julie Meredith, Director of Volunteers and Communication at Safe Harbor. “By addressing the issue of domestic abuse, faith communities can become a vital resource for victims and can partner together with Safe Harbor as we strive to reach out to women and their children who need our services.”
About Safe Harbor
Safe Harbor is a non-profit organization providing safe shelter, counseling, advocacy, and other services for victims of domestic violence and their children, and domestic violence prevention and education for the entire Upstate community. Safe Harbor also operates a domestic violence crisis line and two secure safe homes, serving Greenville, Pickens, Oconee and Anderson counties. For more information on available services or volunteer opportunities, visit Safe Harbor at www.safeharborsc.org
Safe Harbor Receives Federal Grants
Safe Harbor Awarded $1.1 Million in Federal Aid to Address Domestic Violence Safe Harbor is experiencing significant growth in its mission and services for victims of domestic violence and their children. The Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women has awarded Safe Harbor with two federal grants that will allow the agency to provide new services for victims throughout Safe Harbor’s four-county service area of Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee Counties. Safe Harbor was one of only seven nonprofit agencies across the nation to receive these prestigious grant awards. "The endorsement of Safe Harbor’s current services and potential for making lasting change in the communities we serve is made clear by the award of two of the Department of Justice’s highly prestigious grants," says Becky Callaham, Executive Director of Safe Harbor. "These grants will provide new services for victims who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Both of these grants will help Safe Harbor continue to support all victims every step of the way to their own personal path toward long-term freedom from domestic abuse." The first OVW grant provides $600,000 to Safe Harbor that will fund a collaborative program in Greenville County entitled "Education, Training and Enhanced Services to End Violence against and Abuse of Women with Mental Disabilities". Studies show that victims of abuse and violence are at increased risk for developing psychiatric conditions. Abuse can also exacerbate pre-existing mental illnesses. The OVW grant will allow Safe Harbor to partner together with the Greenville Rape Crisis and Child Abuse Center, Mental Health America, the Mental Health Center, and AHEC to research the current needs of victims with mental disabilities and to create an integrated response plan for providing needed services to these individuals. The second OVW grant provides $500,000 to Safe Harbor in order to fund a Transitional Housing Assistance Program for victims of domestic violence and their children in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties. Currently, there are very few transitional or affordable housing programs in the Upstate. With the funding from the OVW grant and through partnership with the Upstate Homeless Coalition, the YWCA, and Goodwill Industries, Safe Harbor is acquiring six new transitional houses and seven apartment units for transitional housing for victims and their children throughout Safe Harbor’s 4-county service area. The objective of this transitional plan is to gradually move victims from complete, cost-free shelter services to independent living while providing them with the necessary tools to maintain that independence. In 2008, 32,889 victims and their children sought services (shelter, counseling, advocacy, and support services) from domestic violence programs like Safe Harbor in the state of South Carolina. 34,610 domestic assaults were reported to law enforcement throughout the state of South Carolina in 2007. The OVW grants allows Safe Harbor to respond to the issue of domestic violence by expanding services, making a life-changing impact in the lives of victims and their children in the Upstate of South Carolina. Safe Harbor’s staff and board of directors are excited to implement these new programs. Kathy Blackwell, Safe Harbor’s Board President, shares, "We are honored that Safe Harbor is the recipient of these two grants awarded by the Office of Violence Against Women. Being able to increase services for victims with mental disabilities and to offer transitional housing strengthens our mission of providing help for victims of domestic violence. Until domestic violence is eradicated from our society, our focus on this issue cannot lessen." "The funding provided by these OVW grants allows victims and their children to take vital steps towards a future of hope, healing, and new opportunity," says Samantha Tucker, Safe Harbor’s Director of Development. "Each victim takes a courageous step when she chooses to leave a violent relationship. We want to be sure that we provide each victim with the tools she needs in order to successfully start a new life."
Letter from Our Executive Director
Friends,
One day this summer, in the midst of budget cuts, grant revisions, United Way campaigns, and committee meetings, I received a phone call. A woman whom I will call “Betsy” introduced herself and stated that she had stayed at the shelter with her 7-month-old daughter for 2 months in 1994. She called me that day because she had spoken to a recent resident of the shelter who told her that Safe Harbor now had “programs”—not just shelter. When I explained to her that we have children’s counseling, two community groups, 3 community counselors, a legal advocate, a shelter in Anderson as well as Greenville (with a third being considered in Oconee county), a transitional housing program, a prevention program in our high schools and a community-wide communication/advocacy effort, I could hear her beginning to cry. She quietly said, “Thank God”. She explained that, in 1994, she had made it out and stayed out of her abusive situation, but the barriers were enormous and the resources were few.
“Betsy” described her experience in 1994, walking through our door with her infant daughter in tow and being met by a Safe Harbor staff person (whose name she will never forget) who looked her straight in the eye and said, “You are safe now”. Can one person make a difference? “Betsy” thinks so. She thanks God for this staff person every night. She credits Safe Harbor for saving her life that day and for helping her to find a new life.
How many “Betsys” are out there...quietly thanking God for you…that one person who reached out to a hurt, tired, and confused victim? Fifteen years later, we have many more resources to offer victims of domestic violence, and we are working to break down barriers. We can now reach more victims and provide more services than in 1994. But, we cannot do it without you. Thank you for your volunteerism, your partnership, and your financial support. We need it now more than ever.
Your support changes lives. Just ask “Betsy”.
Peace to you,
Becky Callaham
Executive Director, Safe Harbor
Harbor Run, 2009
A special thanks to the participants and sponsors of our 8th Annual Harbor Run 5K and 2-mile fun run/walk, presented by Fleet Feet Sports. This year’s event highlights included Greenville’s only women’s start, the Fluor Field start and finish line, a fun new t-shirt design and a post-race party at Smiley’s Acoustic Café. Over 400 walkers and runners made 2009 our most successful year to date. Congrats to our race winners as well as to our stroller derby champ, our Michelin tire winners, and our mother-son, mother-daughter and our first ever husband-wife team winners. Together we raised over $17,000 to benefit the mission of Safe Harbor.
Be sure and check out this year’s event photos at www.safeharborrun.org…and mark your 2010 calendar now for the 9th Annual Harbor Run on Mother’s Day weekend!
Thanks to the following sponsors:
Crescent – Greenville Hospital System, Verizon Communications, Interim Healthcare, Highlands Center for Women, McNair Law Firm (Environmental Division), G Magazine
Meridian – Sullivan Insurance, SynTerra Corporation, Visual Image Salon, BI-LO, Michelin, Smiley’s Acoustic Café, Wisteria Salon
Media – Entercom Communications, Greenville News/City People, Skirt Magazine, Upstate Parent
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