Haven of Hope, a resource for victims of domestic violence, stalking, dating violence and sexual assault, celebrated its 40-year anniversary on Friday, March 28, with a Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by First Community Bank.
Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham issued a proclamation commending Haven of Hope for its four decades of work; Graham was out of town and could not present the proclamation personally, but it was read aloud during the event and presented to executive director Kellye Gilbert and board member Nicole Simmons.
Haven of Hope, which serves a multi-county area, began as a domestic violence shelter located within Bedford County. It now offers shelter services and has outreach offices, along with a 24-hour crisis line, 800-435-7739. The Bedford County office can be reached at 931-680-3005 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.
The services provided by the program include emergency shelter, food and clothing; coordination of transportation to safety; violence assessments and personal advocacy; court advocacy and assistance with legal protections; personal care items; support for housing and victim’s compensation applications.
Board member Nicole Simmons, left, and Executive Director, Kellye Gilbert, right accept a proclamation by County Mayor Chad Graham presented by Dana Rodriguez, center, of Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce
Kellye Gilbert, Executive Director of Haven of Hope, prepares to cut the ribbon, surrounded by friends and well wishers during Friday’s 40th Anniversary celebration of Haven of Hope
Photos by Diandra Womble
