Folger: Kim, family honored by crisis network
F
ormer board member Kim Folger was honored for her contributions to the North Georgia Mountain Crisis Network (NGMCN) during the organization’s Love, Honor, Cherish Gala Saturday, February 1.
Honoring and recognizing Folger’s “legal service and commitment to” the organization, the family room at the NGMCN’s shelter was named “The Folger Family Room.”
Introducing Folger, board Chair Sherry Lang said Folger is “someone who’s been very supportive of the North Georgia Mountain Crisis Network. This organization would not have survived without the support of Kim Folger and her family.”
Before her term expired this past year, Folger had served on this board since 2015.
Moreover, April Ross, executive director of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, spoke to the crowd of attendees about her experience as a survivor of domestic abuse.
Although there were “red flags” and mental abuse throughout the relationship, she did not suffer physical abuse until after she had separated from and filed for divorce from her husband at the time.
Her husband shot her multiple times through her vehicle, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down.
Chief Operating Officer Anjel Gibson told that, on average, a victim of domestic violence will return to their abuser seven times before completely getting out of the situation. That statistic includes one in three women and one in four men.
Barbara Honaker, executive director and domestic violence survivor, said, “I am honored to serve... by paying hope forward, I can serve the community.
“To effectively help victims of domestic violence, it’s essential to listen without judgment and connect them with resources. That’s what our team does, and they’re very good at it.”
Across Fannin, Gilmer and Pickens counties, the organization provides a 24/7 hotline, support, resources, counseling, legal advocacy, an emergency shelter and transitional shelter to survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse.
Their shelter can accommodate up to 12 women and children. Men are offered alternate accommodations.
The shelter provides a children’s play room, kitchen, dining room, family living area, laundry room, library and 24-hour security.
To provide those services, NGMCN includes nine full-time employees and nine part-time employees.
The annual cost to operate the shelter is approximately $350,000. However, around 70 percent is covered through grants. In addition to donations and grants, they operate a thrift store to help offset expenses.
Volunteers and donations are always needed. Volunteers can help answer the crisis line, bring meals, work the thrift store and more. Additionally, they are seeking an in-house counselor.
Anyone interested in supporting their efforts may reach out at 706-632-9024 or through the contact form on their website, www.ngmcn.com. Honaker is reachable by emailing barbara@ngmcn.org.