North Georgia Mountain Crisis Network Executive Director Kimberly O’Neal speaks of the importance of donors and volunteers in helping victims of domestice violence “break the cycle of violence.”
At the last board meeting of 2019, a domestic violence survivor, Tina Davis, (see related story) presented a check for $3,500 to the organization.
O’Neal said the organization receives funding from state or federal sources but that sometimes the funding in designated categories like clothing or legal documents may have been exhausted for the current period. Or perhaps, she said, another unforeseen expenditure that is not covered under the current funding is needed to assure their client has access to services and safe shelter.
O’Neal said, “All of our donors are important to NGMCN. From $1 to $100,000 all funds support the services we provide to assist men, women and children to break the cycle of violence and have a safe living environment.”
One goal NGMCN plans to accomplish in 2020 is reopening the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) room. The SANE room will “allow victims of sexual assault a safe and secure place to receive their exam, make decisions about reporting and speak with detectives,” said O’Neal. “The SANE room will be located in Fannin County but will be available to all three counties we serve in the Appalachian Judicial Circuit of Fannin, Gilmer and Pickens counties.”
Another goal is planning a larger shelter. O’Neal added, “NGMCN is also in the preliminary planning stages for a larger shelter as we are almost always at capacity.”
The director commented how important volunteers are to the organization and the work they do. “The support of our community is important to our work here at NGMCN,” O’Neal said. “We are always in need of volunteers, donors and more. We operate two thrift stores in Fannin County.
“All proceeds from these stores benefit our shelter and clients.”
Both thrift stores are in Blue Ridge. One thrift store is located at 2650 East First St. and the other is located at 3094 Blue Ridge Dr.