Buncombe – The SECU Foundation awarded a $500,000 grant to Helpmate, the largest service provider for domestic violence survivors in Western North Carolina. This funding will support the construction of a new shelter, allowing Helpmate to increase its capacity to assist 475 adults and children annually.
Expanding Services for Survivors
Helpmate is the only organization in Buncombe County dedicated solely to providing shelter and comprehensive services for domestic violence survivors. These services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, case management, court and child advocacy, counseling, and education. In 2023, Helpmate received over 3,500 crisis hotline calls and provided shelter to 246 individuals.
Jama Campbell, Executive Director of SECU Foundation, expressed the organization’s commitment to supporting Helpmate’s mission. “The Foundation is eager to support the important work that Helpmate has been doing in Buncombe County for over 45 years to assist domestic violence survivors,” she stated. The grant aims to significantly expand Helpmate’s services and provide a safe haven for those in need.
Community Support and Future Goals
April Burgess-Johnson, Executive Director of Helpmate, expressed gratitude for the SECU Foundation’s support. “Helpmate is grateful for the support of SECU Foundation to enable us to continue to offer safety, shelter, and support to survivors of domestic violence,” she said. The grant will also serve as a challenge opportunity for Helpmate to raise the remaining $1 million needed for the construction of a new 43-bed shelter.
This new facility will provide a safe haven for adults and children fleeing abusive situations, allowing them to create new, violence-free lives. Burgess-Johnson invited the community to join SECU Foundation in supporting this vital initiative, emphasizing its life-saving potential.
The grant presentation featured key representatives from both organizations. Holding the check were April Burgess-Johnson, Jama Campbell, and SECU branch vice presidents Jenna Johnson and Angel Jones, surrounded by members of Helpmate and SECU.
The SECU Foundation has a long history of promoting community development in North Carolina through impactful projects in housing, education, healthcare, and human services. Since its inception in 2004, the foundation has committed over $300 million to initiatives benefiting North Carolinians statewide.
As Helpmate prepares to embark on this significant project, the collaboration with SECU Foundation marks a pivotal moment in enhancing support for domestic violence survivors in Buncombe County.
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**EXCERPT:** The SECU Foundation awarded a $500,000 grant to Helpmate for a new domestic violence shelter in Buncombe County. This funding will help expand services for survivors, allowing Helpmate to assist 475 adults and children annually. Executive Director April Burgess-Johnson emphasized the importance of community support in raising the remaining funds needed for the project.