The Mary Parrish Center For Victims of Domestic Violence

Hotline 800-799-7233, 800-356-6767(TN), 800-7873224(TTY)

Spring 2012

A LETTER FROM A GRATEFUL MOTHER IN PAKISTAN

Dear Valerie!

Maryam tells me everything you do for her. Exactly two years ago when Maryam was going through hard times, you gave her roof over her head, provided her food, helped her with anything she needed. The things I should have been doing for her, you did. When Maryam was at shelter, I couldn't sleep at nights wondering if she's safe? Ever since she started living at Mary Parrish, she has found her home; a safe place and I'm not worried about her anymore. Maryam is so fortunate to have you. She tells me about you all the time. The little things like how you know her favorite food. Thanks for making her birthday special so she wouldn't feel alone. When she told me you brought her favorite Indian food and bread, I broke into tears. Valerie, I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for my daughter. It's people like you who make a difference in this world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I adore you for everything you do for my daughter and for other women. Only a few people could do that. Thanks for raising my daughter. You will always be in my prayers and thoughts.

Sincerely
Farkhanda Tahir

Our therapeutic transitional housing program is the largest single-site program in the state of Tennessee. We provide domestic and sexual violence survivors, as well as their children, safe, supportive, cost-free housing for up to two years. For more information, or to fill out an application, please visit our web site www.maryparrish.org.

A RESIDENT'S STORY

After 6 years, I left my abuser. At the beginning, I thought we had love and that he was perfect for me. Then things changed – he started calling me names, hitting me, telling me that I didn't do things right. One night, my son saw him hit and choke me. He screamed, "Mommy, mommy," and I couldn't get to him. After that, I escaped with my son and we went to the hospital and then emergency shelter. I didn't know what I would do after that. Thankfully, my case worker referred me to the Mary Parrish Center. When I stepped into the MPC, something came over me. It was decorated for Christmas and so beautiful. I knew this was the place for us. When we moved into our apartment, I couldn't believe what I saw. Beautiful furniture, pictures on the walls, everything I needed to make a home for my son and me. I cried when I saw our Christmas tree with presents underneath. If it had not been for the MPC, I would be back with my abuser or dead. Now I am a different person - I have my voice back. Now I see the true meaning of love. Most importantly, I am giving my child a safe home. We are not victims any more - we are survivors!

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ADOPT-AN-APARTMENT

and JOIN THE MPC FAMILY

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Won't you join the MPC Family through our Adopt-an-Apartment Program? It costs $4500/year for rent and utilities for each apartment. Your generosity will help a woman heal from past abuse and move forward to a healthy, safe and independent life. Perhaps your church, book club or business would like to support a woman in this way. For more information, please contact Valerie Wynn at 615-256-5959 or office@maryparrish.org. THANK YOU!

THANK YOU VERIZON & DEMETRIA KALODIMOS

Demetria Kalodimos (second from right), Emmy Award-winning anchorperson for WSMV-TV and MPC Advisory Board member, was awarded the HopeLine Hero award from Verizon Wireless for her excellent media coverage of domestic violence. Demetria, in turn, presented the monetary award of $1000 to MPC Executive Director, Valerie Wynn (second from left). Thank you Verizon Wireless and Demetria Kalodimos!!

LONGER SENTENCES FOR DV OFFENDERS

In February, WSMV-TV interviewed Executive Director, Valerie Wynn, and resident, Melissa, about a proposed mandate to lengthen prison time served by second and third time domestic violence offenders. Valerie and Melissa agreed that a longer sentence will give women a better opportunity to leave their abusers and find a safe place to live, but lawmakers are struggling with the price tag. To read more, go to http://www.wsmv.com/story/16976935/advocates-say-domestic-violence-protection-bill-worth-cost.

LAPTOPS DONATED BY

GENERAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS

Thanks to our friend, Lana Robinson, The General Federation of Women's Clubs donated 4 laptops to the MPC. The residents will use them for job training and seeking, educational purposes and other needs. What a fantastic gift! Thank you Lana Robinson & GFWC!!

(Pictured l-r: Lana Robinson (GFWC), Valerie Wynn (MPC), Harriett Warren (GFWC) & Dawn Kincaid (GFWC).

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Fred Wix attended the MPC's Holiday Party and asked, "How can I get involved?" Soon after, he joined our Board of Directors. Fred hit the ground running with his enthusiasm and creative thinking. His leadership skills abundantly apparent, Fred was asked to chair the Fundraising Committee. Fred's many strengths include business, communication, team management, computer and financial skills. Professionally, Fred is an Account Executive at Kemmons Wilson Insurance Group. When not at work or involved with non-profit activities, Fred is with his wife and two young children. Cathy Rosenblum, Board Chair, says, Our board was greatly strengthened when Fred joined it. He has jumped in at every opportunity and his enthusiasm is palpable! We are thrilled that Fred has joined the MPC family!!

MEETING ADVOCATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

MPC Founder and Executive Director, Valerie Wynn, and Director of Transitional Housing, Mary Katherine Rand, attended the 2nd World Conference of Women's Shelters in Washington D.C. The conference brought together advocates, service providers and government representatives to learn and share how to end violence against women. Information shared included: helping victims escape and heal from violence; working to increase support and resources for victims; and, ultimately, ending violence against women. Highlights included talks by former Presdient Bill Clinton, Reese Witherspoon, Avon Global Ambassador & Honorary Chairman of the Avon Foundation for Women, and Valerie Jarrett, Senior White House Adviser and Assistant to President Obama for Intergovernmental Relations and Public Liaison. Valerie and Mary Katherine came back inspired and eager to put what they learned into action. For more information on the conference, go to http://worldshelterconference.org/.

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