Domestic violence shelter marks 10th year in community

Crystal Neufeld, executive director, Jill Hill, volunteer coordinator, and Angie Keller, legal advocate, (pictured from left) put new sheets on a bed at the House of Refuge domestic violence shelter Tuesday. The sheets were recently purchased with funds donated by the Sikeston Rotary Club. Scott Welton, Staff

SIKESTON -- The House of Refuge is celebrating a decade of providing a safe haven from abusive homes.

"We began providing residential services July 1, 2001," said Crystal Neufeld, executive director of the House of Refuge.

It was from the community that the House of Refuge got its start.

"A group of citizens noticed a need, that there was an unserved population of women who were experiencing domestic violence, so they began meeting to discuss the need of services for victims," Neufeld said.

The ultimate result of those grassroot efforts was a facility which today is able to house 16 women and children. "We are still in the original building," she said.

Men seeking shelter from domestic violence are not allowed at the House of Refuge shelter but are referred to facilities that are able to shelter men, Neufeld said.

The House of Refuge offers services for victims of either domestic violence or sexual violence.

The goal for the next 10 years is "growth so we can offer more services, more community collaborations with our program," Neufeld said.

The House of Refuge currently has four full-time employees and four part-time employees that are assisted by about a half-dozen volunteers, Neufeld said.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Jill Hill, volunteer coordinator, by calling 573-472-4499.

"We have a 24-hour facility with a 24-hour hotline if people need information or shelter resources," Neufeld said.

The toll-free hotline number is 877-633-3843.

For the complete article and more local news stories, see the July 6 edition of the Standard Democrat or click here to log on to the electronic edition.