Gainesville's Gateway Domestic Violence Center provided services to 883 people last year

GAINESVILLE - Gateway Domestic Violence Center began the new year with the installation of board members - four of them newcomers - and a report showing it provided shelter to 199 women and children last year.<br /> <br /> In all, Gateway served 883 different people during the year with an array of services ranging from shelter to its 24-hour Crisis Telephone Line, support groups, children's programs and more. <br /> <br /> In addition, volunteers contributed 3,414 hours to Gateway and 1,297 hours to its thrift store. (The complete summary of services provided last year can be found below along with the board of directors.)<br /> <br /> In 2014, Gateway s board and staff also implemented a new Early Learning Program to address the importance of early childhood education; continued the focus on financial self-sufficiency for victims of domestic violence preparing to live independently; and partnered with a group of MBA students from the Cottrell School of Business at the University of North Georgia to help analyze and implement efficient best practices for Gateway s thrift stores.<br /> <br />  I am proud that the staff and board of directors are constantly being innovative and finding ways to better serve the women and families utilizing Gateway s services, says Rachel Ayers, 2015 Gateway board president.  Gateway was able to impact many lives last year, and I look forward to working with a great team this year as we continue to address the evolving needs of the families Gateway helps day after day. <br /> <br />  Last year, the issue of domestic violence received a lot of press, raising a lot of awareness,  continued Butler.  As we enter a new year, we ask the community to continue raising awareness about the issue and supporting our goal to end domestic violence. <br /> <br /> *Summary of services provided in 2014:<br /> <br /> In total, Gateway provided in-person services to 883 different people in 2014. All of Gateway s services are free and confidential, and all services are offered in English and Spanish.<br /> <br /> Shelter for Battered Women and Their Children: The shelter is staffed 24-hours a day. 88 women and 111children were sheltered in 2014 for a total of 11,605 guest nights at an average of 58 days per guest. Of these bed-nights, 4,956 were provided in the emergency shelter and 6,421 were provided in Gateway s transitional housing. In addition, Gateway paid for 228 hotel nights for clients when the shelter was at capacity.<br /> <br /> 24-hour Crisis Telephone Line: The crisis line provides crisis intervention and referral services as well as information on shelter services. 2,019 crisis calls were received in 2014.<br /> <br /> Support Groups: Emotional support groups are offered two times per week. 119 Women attended emotional support groups in 2014. 111 Women attended Life Skills Training Classes. 105 Women participated in Art Group.<br /> <br /> Children s Program: Through the structured Children s Program, which is offered 2 times a week, children are provided an opportunity to share their fears and concerns. The children are made aware that violence is not the appropriate way to solve problems. 138 children and 26 teenagers participated in Gateway support groups in 2014.<br /> <br /> School Curriculum Program: Gateway teaches students in grades 3 and 5 in the local public schools about domestic violence and what to do if there is abuse in their homes. Middle school students are taught about the dynamics and dangers of abusive relationships. 251 presentations were made to 5,608 students in 2014. <br /> <br /> Legal Advocacy Program: Advocates assisted victims of family violence secure 111 Temporary Protective Orders. They also assisted with 255 second hearings and other hearings.<br /> <br /> Community Outreach/Education Program: This program provides training for criminal justice and social service agencies, civic organizations, churches, schools, colleges, and other groups in the dynamics of abuse, needs of battered women and their children, as well as the services available at Gateway. In 2014, Gateway staff spoke to 34 groups. 1,953 individuals attended these sessions. Another 25 people participated in 2 in-service training sessions.<br /> <br /> Volunteers: In 2014, volunteers contributed 3,414 hours to Gateway House and 1,297 hours to the Thrift Store.<br /> <br /> *Board of Directors (** Denotes new member)<br /> <br /> Loveanne Addison<br /> Rachel Greene Ayers<br /> Larry Baldwin<br /> Amy Boyd<br /> Lynn Carter<br /> Sally Clark<br /> Susan J. Daniell<br /> **Katie B. Davis<br /> Bert Dillon<br /> Jenny Floyd<br /> Cheryl Forrester<br /> T. Loren Funk<br /> Kristi Griffin<br /> **Patrick Higingbotham<br /> Heather Casey Hollimon<br /> Kathy Lamon<br /> Jamila Leavell<br /> Kelly Lee<br /> Tami Lee<br /> Brenda Matthews<br /> Mary Meadows<br /> Jan Mundy<br /> Karen Owens<br /> **Andre Robertson<br /> **John Robertson<br /> Mary Stanford<br /> Carol J. Shirley<br /> Anthony C. Shope<br /> Vanessa Sykes<br /> Susanne Stribling-Turner<br /> Kaylee Welch<br /> Jennifer Westbrook<br /> Keith Whitaker<br /> Tiffany Whitmire

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