Getting an Inside Look at Madeline's House

By Shannon Marshall
Rotunda ReporterSouthside Center for Violence Protection, Inc. is the organization in charge of Madeline's House, Recently, they have noticed a steady increase in the amount of women and children in need of a place to stay, getting away from an abusive situation.

The organization sends out a newsletter each month with advice, upcoming events and information on how to seek help. The statement, "Remember! It's not your fault!" is in every issue, urging those who read it to gain the confidence to get out of the situation. The newsletters serve as an information tool with facts about the different types of abuse, in case one is not certain they are at risk of being hurt mentally or physically. According to their newsletter, "One in every three children experience domestic violence, and one in eleven teens report being a victim of physical dating abuse each year." There are tips about how to detect abuse happening in a child's home and in someone's home you know. There are also plans on how to escape certain situations and there is always a way to get out of the situation as well.

The program serves 12 surrounding counties. There are only 33 beds in Madeline's House, so there are many women and children who cannot come to the facility and must seek a safe house elsewhere. The program was initiated when Madeline Mitchell and her two daughters were turned away by a safe house. Mitchell had nowhere else to go that her estranged husband did not know of, so in order to keep this from happening to other women, the founders of Madeline's House opened its doors in 1999.

Shelly Epperson, Madeline's House sexual assault program director, said she has raise money when the organization is in desperate need, but her main focus is working directly with the victims. The amount of money to keep those staying at Madeline's House per day varies from person to person. Each person is different in what they need on a day-to-day basis. For example, those with jobs who are in need of transportation cost more per day than those who do not. Another factor is if the individual is disabled. Counseling and tutoring is available to the residents.

Donations are a major part of keeping Madeline's House up and running. Sometimes the companies that donate on a regular basis want to take a tour of the facility to ensure their contributions are going to a good cause. The actual agency is the Southside Center for Violence Prevention, Inc., which is the Piedmont Crisis Center that deals with sexual assault. However, Madeline's House is aimed more at helping victims of domestic violence. There are three thrift shop locations in South Hill, Farmville and Blackstone.

Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is Longwood's co-ed service fraternity that tries to benefit as many different organizations as possible. Madeline's House was one of the organizations chosen this year. In the fall of 2008, APO held a car wash and bake sale in which all proceeds were donated to Madeline's House. These fundraisers were carried out to help when the shelter was facing being closed down. Madeline's House is not one of the organizations this fraternity helps every semester, but the need was apparent and they stepped up to the plate. Jessica Loweth, APO president, said, "When any service project is done, we get a large amount of support from the Brothers to carry out the project. Around $200 was made and donated, with a large amount of clothing and such goods donated as well."

Volunteers and donations are always welcome at the organization. The doors are still open, but if the money does not continue to come in, there will be major cutbacks in the program, and possibly resulting the doors closing for good. Recently, there has not been the threat of closing, but this could change at any time. The economy has not helped the situation because people do not have the extra money to donate.