Help Now of Osceola, for its work in the community advocating for and reaching out to help support victims and survivors of domestic violence while striving to end it, is a local gem.
The organization is celebrating 40 years of work in the community, and took the opportunity last week to recognize individuals and groups — gems themselves — in the fight with them in making Osceola County a place where domestic violence becomes a thing of the past.
Help Now recognized three, those who do not and will not accept that domestic violence is something that can’t be affected by vigilance.
Part of the anniversary was the Nov. 15 annual gem awards program, honoring the contributions of members of that village that have contributed in different and significant ways aligned with Help Now’s mission of safety, empowerment and healing.
Its Citrine Gem Award of Safety went to the Kissimmee Police Department. Help Now noted KPD’s commitment to providing victims safe transportation to its shelter, hosting a monthly domestic violence task force and contributing to its annual awareness rally, community walk and candlelight vigil.
The Aquamarine Gem Award of Empowerment, representing hope, empowerment and the promise of a better future was given to The Welcome Table Ministries, recognizing its support. The Welcome Table provides meals to residents of the shelter for some 20 years.
The Jade Gem Award of Healing went to certified domestic abuse advocate Dr. Mary Ann Haselden, who provides volunteer counseling services to Help Now’s client victims and chairs the county’s Domestic Violence Task Force, all as her commitment to health and wellbeing of survivors.
What started as a shelter for the people and children in abusive relationships — over 300 victims sought refuge at the shelter — has grown to outreaches and serving children who see abuse in their homes and families.
Help Now CEO Tammy Douglass, who has been a part of Help Now for “17 amazing years” of the last 40, said she’s not alone in the work.
“It absolutely takes a village to stand against domestic abuse, and we’re glad to be in that village with all of you.”
“After doing this work for that time, there is nothing more brave or meaningful than survivors standing up and using their voice as a beacon of hope for others. I’m blessed to be part of this team.”
In a YouTube video produced by Help Now (found at https://www.aroundosceola.com/videos), Douglas explains how volunteers came together to start a hotline for domestic violence, ahead of Help Now’s 1983 incorporation as a 501c3 non-profit. Through its employees and board members, it explains the growth of the shelter — and its knowledge base — to help more victims. It also chronicles the story of three survivors.
To donate to Help Now and be a part of the mission to eradicate domestic violence in our community, go online to make a contribution at https://bit.ly/3R3D3wt.
