Quigley House will hold its Annual Meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27. The event will take place at the Orange Park Woman’s Club, 130 Kingsley Ave. in Orange Park.

The public is invited to attend what executive director Sharon Youngerman describes as “the state of the union” meeting. She will install new officers, discuss what the shelter has accomplished in the last year and where they hope to be next year.

The comprehensive domestic violence and sexual assault shelter has received some press lately for its addition of an on-site kennel, making it the second in the state and one of few in the nation to provide facilities for abused women’s pets. Animals often bear the brunt of abuse after a victim leaves.

Survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence will also speak at the luncheon. Says Youngerman, “It helps them [attendees] understand what our victims go through” on a more personal, emotional level, “and really feel what we do” to help survivors.

Currently, Rep. Dick Kravitz and Judge Crenshaw are among those attending, along with Quigley House board members and honored speakers.

Anyone interested in attending the luncheon or sharing their own story should contact Sharon Youngerman ASAP by calling (904) 284-0340.

-CHANEL MARTIN
chanel.martin@jacksonville.com