Gwinnett County has relied on PADV since 1987 to provide high quality shelter and support services to women and children of domestic violence. Community members are often surprised and shocked to learn that Gwinnett County has the highest rate of domestic violence fatalities in the State of Georgia.
Over the past several years, it became increasingly clear to PADV that the current shelter in Gwinnett was no longer adequate. While the site served countless women and children over the years from Fulton, Dekalb, Cobb and Gwinnett and other metro Atlanta counties, the signs of such heavy usage are evident. Further, the facility is poorly configured to meet PADV’s programmatic needs, and it is simply not a nurturing, welcoming place for women and children to heal from the scars of abuse.
In response to an increasing need, the board of PADV has launched Standing Strong in Gwinnett – PADV’s Capital Campaign for the Gwinnett County Shelter with a goal of $4.42 million. PADV received a $1.63 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in 2010 from Gwinnett County to purchase a new site for the Gwinnett shelter.
The new shelter will be located in a 13,400-square foot two-story structure with an unfinished interior. Not only is the site in a safe (confidential) location, PADV is now customizing the building to meet program needs, including 12 large bedroom units with private bathrooms to accommodate a total of 55 women and children (3 to 5 per room), increasing capacity by 50%.
The new facility includes a multi-bayed kitchen with commercial-grade appliances and a separate dining area, enabling better preparation and enjoyment of meals onsite (PADV provides three balanced meals each day, plus snacks, drinks); a living room, a computer lab and a laundry room; a dedicated area for youth programs and indoor play; two private counseling rooms; staff offices, as well as an area for Crisis Line operations; a large outdoor playground and an outdoor retreat for women; a large conference room for staff meetings and support groups; and, a gated entrance with ample onsite parking.
Construction is now underway and the new shelter will be open by January 1, 2013.
The Capital Campaign Committee:
Co-Chairs: Sandra J. Strickland and Theresa S. Bullock
Committee Members:
Myron Bullock
Laurie Garrard
Kelly Greer
Stan Hall
Janná Hayes
Debbie Heard
Rich Hendry
Wally Kelleman
Lisa Levengood
Joy Mitchell
Sherry Russell
Fiona Sandler
Kathy Schrader
Gay Shook
Clyde Strickland
Jeffrey Wages
Judy Waters (Advisor)
Mary Jane Wolfe
To Learn More or Give:
Click here to download the Capital Campaign brochure. If you have further questions please contact Carolyn Booth at 404.870.9608 or by email at carolyn@padv.org, to donate directly to the Capital Campaign please click here.
We have teamed up with Target to create a gift registry for our needs at the new shelter. Please click here to view our Target registry.
