Southeastern contributes to shelter

by SOUTHEASTERN PUBLIC INFORMATION
March 9, 2009

DURANT, Okla. -- Southeastern Oklahoma State University's Department of Behavioral Sciences has donated $1,000 to sponsor a Children's Playroom in Durant's new Women and Children's Shelter directed by the Crisis Control Center, Inc. (CCC).

Under the coordination of Dr. Daniel Weigel, faculty, staff and administration members presented the check to assist with furnishing the new women's and children's shelter.

The CCC currently provides a place of refuge for hundreds of women and children escaping the ravages of domestic violence. The new shelter is being constructed thanks to numerous grants and donations.

The CCC is still seeking financial donations to furnish the rooms. As a result, the Board of Directors developed the "Adopt-A-Room" program.

Members of the Behavioral Sciences Department at Southeastern saw this as an opportunity to show their commitment to this vital community resource.

"Since the Department of Behavioral Sciences includes the disciplines of psychology, sociology, social gerontology, criminal justice, community and school counseling, it is quite fitting to offer such support," said Professor Weigel. "We elected to sponsor the playroom as children are too often the forgotten victims of domestic violence and need a place to find comfort during the tumult of adjusting to a transitional living facility."

The playroom will display a plaque indicating Southeastern’s sponsorship and funding of toys and furniture in the new room.

Weigel said, "What a wonderful message to send to the survivors of domestic violence and to the Durant community. That message, of course, is that we support you through perhaps the toughest of times in your lives.

"We hope to develop an ongoing, collaborative relationship with this invaluable community resource. Many people simply do not realize how critical a role the Crisis Control Center plays ‘behind the scenes' in helping individuals in the most dire of circumstances."

The donation was presented to CCC Executive Director Ms. Norita Walker Thursday afternoon. Drs. Kimberly Donovan and Reba Criswell, faculty members in the SE Department of Behavioral Sciences, are assisting in the selection of age, gender, and culturally appropriate toys and furnishings.

Donovan serves on the CCC Board of Directors. She said, "We are delighted to make this contribution to the Crisis Control Center shelter project, but the Center will need many more donations to fully furnish the new facility. Hopefully, we can spread the word to other Southeastern departments and community organizations to raise even more money and support for this highly worthwhile cause."

The Crisis Control Center offers a 24-hour crisis hotline (580-924-3030) to individuals in need of emergency assistance. This number may also be contacted for information regarding donations from individuals or organizations.

In the past 12 months, more than 600 women and children received services in Durant's Crisis Control Center. Statistics show a woman in this country is beaten every 15 seconds. For as many as 4,000,000 women, this battering is so severe they require medical or police attention.

Nearly 4,000 women die each year because of this abuse. The Crisis Control Center is often the only source of help available to them.