Speaking Up for Survivors

from Elegant Island Living February 2018

by Elegant Island Living Media Group

SSI Archives

by, Leslie Faulkenberry

Our country is in the midst of a cultural shift, in which those who have suffered unjustly from the actions of another are encouraged to speak up. However, there is a segment of the population that fears speaking up: victims of domestic violence. Many still suffer in silence and maintain a fearful status quo because they feel there is no one to hear their voices. All that changes when they contact The Glynn Community Crisis Center. “We have served victims of domestic violence and their children since 1983,” Executive Director Dottie Bromley explained. “We offer emergency shelter for women and their children at Amity House. Male survivors of domestic violence are housed off site in a safe and secure location where they are provided the same services as the clients housed at Amity.”

LEFT: Christine Proffitt, owner of Wild and Personal, makes a commitment from her heart each year. RIGHT: Dawn Hart draws from the beauty around her at Ace Garden Center to create a living donation to the Silent Auction.

emergency shelter at Amity House, a 24-hour crisis hotline is available to victims. Special programs for the children of clients offer various age appropriate activities and school enrollment. Housing barriers are managed through two programs: Hope House, a transitional living program, and the Housing Assistance Program, which provides clients with assistance in quickly obtaining safe, permanent housing. Outreach Advocacy offers support for the agency’s non-residential clients, as well as domestic violence prevention education in Glynn and McIntosh counties. Counseling, legal assistance and further supportive activities are available to all clients. “Each program is a key in the transformation of victims to survivors,” Bromley added, “and exemplifies our vision of ‘caring for victims of domestic violence’”

A Taste of Glynn, The Glynn Community Crisis Center’s main annual fundraiser, is in its eighteenth year. On April 8, the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort will open its doors to the Golden Isles’ finest chefs, caterers and restaurants. Everyone brings their “A” game, offering samples of their best, most creative dishes. Judges award prizes in five main categories, and guests vote on their favorites to select the winner of the People’s Choice honors.

The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort has served as the venue for A Taste of Glynn for the past 15 years. “We didn’t have a signature event to call our own at the time, so we saw it as a great way to contribute to the community and invite local people to enjoy the hotel,” Vice President and General Manager Michael Johnson noted. “It has become iconic for us and we look forward to it every year.”

Over the years of enjoying the annual tradition, the evening has taken on more significance for Johnson. Through his church, he has participated in the annual Day of Caring for the benefit of Amity House, the shelter operated by The Glynn Community Crisis Center. Both of his adult daughters are teachers and have shared many stories of the impact of domestic violence on children. “They can always tell right away when the parents of their students have been fighting at home,” he recalled. “I’m concerned that with the current focus on events in the workplace that nobody is talking about domestic violence. We need to keep that awareness level high.”

Along with the memorable bounty of fine food, guests at A Taste of Glynn can also snap up some delectable deals on a wide array of items at the evening’s Silent Auction. Many of the contributors from the local business community have supported the Glynn Community Crisis Center for a number of years. The Bailey Boys, a St. Simons-based manufacturer of exquisite children’s clothing, attracts quite a lot of attention with its annual (continues)

donation of a simply adorable outfit. To locate the Bailey Boys display at the Silent Auction, just follow the “ooohs” and “aaaahs.” The motivation for donating comes straight from the tender heart of this family-owned company. “Secure and loving families mean a secure and loving community,” Marketing Director Lauren Bailey observed. “That is why Bailey Boys continues to contribute to resources that support our local families.”

Dawn Hart, owner of Ace Garden Center and her son, Henry, see her company’s support of A Taste of Glynn as an opportunity to share their success while helping families in the community that are suffering the disruption of domestic violence. “I’ve been privileged to work in this industry that gives pleasure to so many people,” the soft-spoken Hart said, as she glanced around the wonderland of breathtaking, colorful plants and flowers at the Garden Center. “It’s so gratifying to be able to donate things people want to buy and share my profession.” As a woman who built her business based on doing what she loves, she believes the Glynn Community Crisis Center’s follow-through for clients is particularly impressive. “Amity House helps victims get back on their feet,” she noted. “But it doesn’t stop there. They learn how to support themselves and move ahead in life.”

Another faithful and generous contributor is Christine Proffitt, owner of Wild and Personal, a women’s boutique located in Redfern Village on St. Simons Island. Guided by her faith, she drew strength from a similar organization in another city to escape a troubled marriage. The support she received twenty years ago gave her the courage to break away from the abuse. Today, her irrepressible creative spirit has built a thriving business and drives her passionate commitment to support A Taste of Glynn. “This is close to my heart because of personal experience. The Glynn Community Crisis Center does a really good job,” she shared. Along with her donations, Christine Profitt offered a bit of profound encouragement and perspective to victims. “Remember that the universe is a big place,” she smiled. “It can’t be defined by just one person.”

The Glynn Community Crisis Center is the answer to victims’ most frequently asked question: “What now?” Without it, the thousands of people who have been helped would have had no place to turn. Building a life by pursuing a cherished dream is a goal that many victims cannot imagine when they first reach out for help, Dottie Bromley pointed out. “Knowing that local business people believe in their recovery and support their efforts means a lot to our clients,” she stated. “The support is more than financial. Knowing that the community cares gives survivors confidence. It inspires them and reminds them that they are valued and their hopes and dreams can become reality.”

Tickets for A Taste of Glynn are $45 in advance and $60 at the door. They can be purchased online at Eventbrite, and at local businesses which are listed on the website at atasteofglynn.com. To purchase tickets from the Glynn Community Crisis Center, contact the Administrative offices at 912.264.1348. The evening’s festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. and conclude at 8:00 p.m. with the awards ceremony. Free shuttle transportation to The King and Prince from Massengale Park begins at 3:30 p.m. and runs through 8:30 p.m. Sample some of the finest food in the Golden Isles and show your support for Glynn Community Crisis Center, so that the voices who speak up for survivors and against domestic violence can continue to be heard.

Portrait-worthy outfits donated to A Taste of Glynn by Bailey Boys always attract attention at the Silent Auction.