Domestic Violence help offered

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MIKE WEST
Courier Editor


'Why worry when you can pray," states a desk placard in the office of S.A.V.E.

That little sign pretty much sums up the attitude of director Lisa Baird, who says, "we try to do all we can to serve all victims of domestic violence."
S.A.V.E. stands for Services and Violence Education, which partially helps explains the focus of the non-profit group.

"It's not just an agency. It's working together everyday to stop the violence," explained Rebecca Womack, board member. "I think most people don't realize what we have here."

S.A.V.E.'s mission is right here in Cannon County. Last year, it helped at least 250 people.

"Until I came to the board I didn't realize the need for this type of facility in a rural county," Womack said.

The facility in question is S.A.V.E.'s emergency shelter for battered women, children and the elderly.

"That's what we are providing in Cannon County," she explained.

It is a safe, secure place for victims of this type of crime and funding its operation takes community support.

"Our electric bill averages $800 a month and we don't have any federal grants," explained Baird. "We do receive help from local churches. First United Methodist's Thrift Store ... half the proceeds from the store go to us and the church on the hill (Woodbury Church of Christ) helps as well. So do other area churches.

United Way, Middle Tennessee Electric and Middle Tennessee Gas help out as well, she said.

"It's just been God taking care of everything," Baird smiled. "For example, we had a church come in this week with donated Bibles for us to provide to victims."

S.A.V.E. Also holds regular fund-raising events like a "lock-up" planned for April 20.

It is a low-profile program due to the level of confidentiality it must maintain.

"You may not need it, but you know people, families, that do," Baird said. S.A.V.E.'s services extend to more people than abused wives. "Elder abuse, child abuse are major problems in our community."

In addition to Rebecca Womack, S.A.V.E.'s board includes Sharon Canady, Sandy Hollandsworth, Leroy Brandon, Sharon Prater, Jennifer Duke and Tammy Jones.

"We've got a wonderful board," Baird said.

"It's a good working board. We are friends, but we are not afraid of expressing our opinions all while working toward the same goal," Womack explained. "I want everybody to have a fair shot at life."

The S.A.V.E. Shelter does have ongoing needs
In-Kind donations needed include diapers, baby wipes, hygiene products, paper towels, bathroom tissue, laundry detergent, fabric sheets, dishwashing liquid, dish soap, children's snacks, coloring books, crayons, furniture and computers.
Monetary Donations can be made by check paid to the order of Cannon County S.A.V.E. and sent to P.O. Box 329 Woodbury TN 37190.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact Director, Lisa Baird at 615-563-6690 or 615-464-5555.

If you would like to make a monetary donation to this agency please contact 65-563-6690 or mail endorse check to Cannon County S.A.V.E.. Mailing address: PO Box 329 Woodbury TN 37190

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