The Plymouth Lions Club was honored to have Laura Mann, founder of the Heminger House, speak at their September regularly scheduled meeting. The Heminger House is a shelter for women and children in Plymouth serving Marshall County and the surrounding areas, your doorway to care and healing. A 24 hour Hotline is offered, Sexual Assault Advocacy, Temporary Shelter, as well as Outreach and Referral services. Laura explained that the Heminger House is committed to empowering victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. It is their long term mission to break the cycle of violence and poverty by providing a caring, healing, and educational service for victims of abusers, including safe, emergency housing and related programs. It is their intent to prepare victims, and their families, so they can learn to make independent, productive choices, which will enable them to live without assistance in a healthy, positive, and safe environment.
Since they opened on September 11, 2008, 952 people have been served and they have never been empty. Someone who needs there services may stay up to 45 days and apply for a 15 day extension if they are close to finding a permanent home. This past year, due to government cutbacks, they lost $65,000 in grant money which means they are living from week to week as local donations come in. Their needs are great and a long list of needed supplies is available if you call them at 574-936-SAFE.
The children of abuse are always the ones who struggle the most during these difficult times, unfortunately and usually provided by the parents. At the present time, seven children are staying at Heminger House with their mother’s praying for a safe place to stay, warm clothing, and food to eat. The women are given parenting tools they might not have been given to them previously. Hopefully they also foster self-esteem to the mothers which will be passed on to the children and their future relationships. They ask you to call today, any donations are tax deductible and Speaking Engagements for your organization may be scheduled upon request.
A BIG thank you to all who assisted at the The Blueberry Festival was also was also expressed, and appreciation to their members and their family members for “stepping up” to support the Plymouth Lions Club. Anyone interested in joining the Plymouth Lions Club should contact any Lions Club member.
