Thanks to Jerry Sternberg for donating the proceeds from his 80th birthday edition of The Gospel According to Jerry to Helpmate. It is with the support of a generous community that Helpmate has been able to provide services to victims and survivors of domestic violence in Buncombe County for over 30 years.
Helpmate provides emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, a 24/7 hotline and education. The demand for Helpmate’s services has grown significantly over the last two years, in part due to strains on the economy and continuing joblessness. Between Helpmate’s fiscal year ending 2009 and the year ending 2010, crisis calls increased 46 percent, individual crisis counseling expanded 30 percent and shelter average occupancy went up 38 percent. Total resident numbers have grown 22 percent; children’s numbers have increased 49 percent.
For more information about domestic violence, Helpmate services, or to donate, please visit www.helpmateonline.org or call 254-2968. The hotline can be reached by calling 254-0516.
— Harli Palme
Helpmate Board of Directors
Asheville
