Dr. Kathryn Melton of Shepherd's Rest Women's Shelter speaks to the Paulding Rotary

Dr. Kathryn Melton visited the Paulding County Rotary Club at the February meeting. Dr. Melton took the podium and thanked the Rotary Club members for their continued support of the Shepherd's Rest Ministries. Dr. Melton told members that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Shepherd's Rest Women's Shelter. Before relaying the improvements and accomplishments in her ministries work for 2017 she again thanked the club members and stated that it was because of strong community support that this ministry has been able to continue its work for the past 20 years.
The Shepherd's Rest Ministries Battered Women's Shelter is staffed around the clock, 24 hours and 7 days a week to take calls from women and families in dire need. During 2017 over 2800 calls were answered and their legal advocacy program reached 522 women in need of legal services, advice, and temporary restraining orders. In addition to the 2 crisis houses that they operate in order to provide shelter for women and their children, the ministry offers domestic violence education and group support to between 20 and 30 women, and their families, on a weekly basis. These group therapy sessions have been extremely effective in encouraging and educating women about abusive relationship situations. Shepherd's Rest also saw a successful Christmas outreach this past year helping 22 families.
Accompanying Dr. Melton was a young lady who had received help to break out of an abusive relationship. This young lady spoke to the Rotary Club and emphasized just how much the education and support made a difference to her and her children during this time of crisis. This young lady is now doing well and pursuing her degree. After a few questions with regard to the future of the Shepherd's Rest Ministries, Dr. Melton thanked the Rotary Club members for being a constant source of support.

Chad Plumley, John Grant, and Dr. Kathryn Melton with $1000.00 check for Shepherd's Rest Ministries.