Sen. Bill Cook Announces State Grant to Assist Local Domestic Violence Shelter | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Washington, N.C.     Senator Bill Cook (R-District 1) announced earlier in the week that Ruth's House, a Beaufort County domestic violence not-for-profit organization, will receive a state grant of $50,000 to assist victims of domestic violence and the recovery process of reopening their shelter. Due to Hurricane Matthew, the bottom level of the shelter was flooded and is currently closed.
Senator Bill Cook (center) presents a check on behalf of the state of North Carolina for $50,000 to Valerie Kines, executive director of Ruth’s House, Beaufort County’s domestic violence program. (Photo courtesy of Caroline Hudson, Washington Daily News)
    "Domestic violence is something we can't turn our back on in North Carolina, and we need to connect those who are in need with the service providers," Cook said. "This grant will provide assistance for the victims of domestic violence and a helping hand to reopening the shelter where women and their children can find peace while they begin to rebuild their lives."

    Governor Pat McCrory proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in North Carolina to recognize the significant impact domestic violence has on North Carolinians.

    Local domestic violence programs in North Carolina responded to approximately 101,940 crisis line calls, served nearly 48,601 victims and provided shelter for about 11,871 victims in 2015. Roughly 45 percent of those victims were children, according to the North Carolina Council for Women and Youth Involvement.

    "Domestic violence is not a private issue-it's a community one. We at Ruth's House are so appreciative of Senator Cook's effort on our behalf," said Valerie Kines, executive director of Ruth's House. "This grant will allow us to reopen the shelter and support our ongoing work of ridding our Beaufort County community of domestic violence."

    Ruth's House is dedicated to eliminating domestic violence in Beaufort County. It operates a safe house, and offers a 24-hour hotline. Other services available to both women and men include: safety planning, counseling, court advocacy, life skills training, coordination with other county services to meet needs such as job training, and other services tailored to meet the needs of individual clients. For additional information about Ruth's House, please call (252)946-0709.

• Contact: Jordan Hennessy
•     jordan.hennessy@ncleg.net