Monticello Live

Options, Inc.—a non-profit corporation committed to meeting the needs of domestic violence and sexual abuse victims in five counties in Southeast Arkansas—was awarded a $4,000 grant by the Plum Creek Foundation towards the purchase of an emergency shelter. The shelter offers a 24-hour staffed emergency safe house providing women with critical services such as crisis intervention, counseling, food and clothing.

“We have been renting the house for the past 20 years. The current owner insisted that we buy the house in order to continue using it,” said Brenda Noble, executive director of Options, Inc. “Through Plum Creek’s generosity, we will be able to continue providing shelter to victims of domestic violence and abuse at a critical time of need in their lives.”

Educational programs at Options, Inc. prepare shelter residents for independent living by extending opportunities to enhance their skills, knowledge and interest. Options currently serves approximately 250 victims per year in Drew, Ashley, Desha, Chicot and Bradley Counties. The next closest shelter is located in Pine Bluff.

“Over the last 20 plus years, Options has made tremendous improvements in their shelter, which would be lost if they had to relocate. Options has done a great job in creating a shelter that has the feel of a safe and comfortable home,” said Richard Stich, senior wildlife biologist for Plum Creek in Arkansas. “Victims of abuse must have a safe place to recover and we are proud to help Options continue to provide this service.”

The Plum Creek Foundation supports non-profit organizations that improve the overall quality of life in the communities where Plum Creek operates. The Foundation board meets quarterly to review submitted grant applications. Visit www.plumcreek.com/communityinvolvement to download an application and learn more about the foundation grant program in addition to other ways that Plum Creek is serving its communities.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 12th, 2010 at 12:22 pm and is filed under Announcements. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.