Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to celebrate the grand opening of Lonoke County Safe Haven, Inc., an organization that provides critical resources to victims of domestic violence. This center will give women and their children a place to turn during difficult times and is a valuable addition to our community.
Lonoke County Safe Haven, Inc. was founded in March 2005 after J.M. Park read an article about a domestic violence victim. The article inspired Park and others to create a program where domestic violence victims can access vital recovery services. The organization began to help victims in September 2005, providing services such as a helpline, court advocacy, information on county, state, and federal resources, and recommendations for local shelters.
Today's grand opening is a significant step for Lonoke County Safe Haven, Inc. and a great milestone for our community. The new center, directed by Teresa Sims, will give battered women and their children throughout Lonoke County a place to seek assistance from dangerous living conditions. The center will provide services from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with hopes of one day expanding into a shelter of its own. The organization is already recognized by the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence for its work to strengthen the support system for battered women and their children.
On April 17, 2006, our community will gather to celebrate the grand opening of the Lonoke County Safe Haven, Inc. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our appreciation for this center and for all of the individuals committed to making Lonoke County a safer place for women and children.
