Myron and Theresa Bullock are an extraordinary couple. Their union has the   ingredients that constitute a happy, healthy marriage – love, respect and friendship. Working together as part-owners of Metro Waterproofing, they look for ways to spend even more time together by playing golf or ballroom dancing. A native of Gwinnett County, Myron met his wife, Theresa, 30 years ago at Central Gwinnett High School and married two years later. Celebrating 28 years of marriage, they have two daughters and three grandchildren. The Bullocks began supporting PADV several years ago because domestic violence affected their family. Their daughter, who was an honors student and excelled in sports, had an emotionally and physically abusive boyfriend. “Parents have to realize that it could happen to anyone’s daughter,” said Myron. “Abusive boyfriends aren’t necessarily the ‘bad’ boy, but could be the star athlete or the most popular guy in school.” The Bullocks are [...]

  PADV is excited to be in the planning stage for our 23rd annual Hearts with Hope gala.  Hearts with Hope has grown tremendously in the last ten years, from raising $50,000 in 2000 to $700,000 in 2008. Even with the recession, we raised $600,000 through the gala in 2009 and 2010. These funds support PADV’s general operations – we could not function without them. The 2011 gala will take place on March 5 at the Cobb Energy Centre and include live and silent auctions, dinner, awards and entertainment. Bob and Lyn Turknett are our honorary co-chairs and our goal is to raise $650,000. The 2011 Hope Award will be presented to Cammie and John Rice, PADV Board member and Vice Chair of GE, respectively, to recognize their outstanding contributions to support battered women and children in Atlanta. We will also be presenting the Purple Heart with Hope award to a domestic [...]

As we look to December to begin, the holiday season launches into high gear. Everywhere we turn, we see decorations, advertisements and the sounds of familiar songs to remind us that this is a time of celebration and togetherness. The truth is, this time of year can be particularly hard for the women and children PADV serves. Most often, they have been forced to uproot their life and leave many traditions and loved ones behind. They are in an unfamiliar place, often looking for jobs, starting new schools and taking the first steps towards a new life. However, we have seen extraordinary examples of our residents, support group members and community clients forming tight bonds with one another during this tenuous time of year. We are also incredibly lucky to witness moments of hope and healing when the women and children we serve feel an outpour of support from their [...]

On July 30, Kilpatrick Stockton donated backpacks full of school supplies to the children participating in PADV’s programs. Each year, this generous firm provides backpacks to children in need in metro Atlanta and the group selected PADV’s children to be a benefactor of this year’s drive. Donations like these provide a vital step to empowering the children involved in our programs. The children in our safe houses, transitional housing and community outreach programs can hold their heads high knowing that they have everything they need as they walk into a new school for the first time. We thank Kilpatrick Stockton for their generosity and the ability to help our children move on from the violence they’ve witnessed and live happy, successful and violence-free lives.