Sherry Hatfield has been working with the Tug Valley Recovery Shelter for longer than anyone-- 27 years, to be exact. She started working there after visiting as a sales person to give them an estimate on some work they needed completed. While visiting, she heard they had a job opening.
She applied, and the rest is history. Given her long history with the shelter, she describes herself as a “jack of all trades”, but her current official job title is victim advocate. She is also serving as the director until full-time director Kim Ryan returns from a leave of absence.
A Refuge for Those In Need
Since 1982, the shelter has offered safety and refuge to women and children in the area who are in danger. The shelter offers 11 beds and a living space for those who are in need of a safe place to stay. Although it is located in Mingo County,West Virginia, the shelter also serves Logan County, West Virginia.
“We have 24/7 coverage for our house, and a live person who is able to listen, make recommendations, and offer guidance for those who ask,” Sherry says.
The shelter also provides financial aid to those in need, refers victims to other resources in the community, and helps them with legal matters, such as obtaining protective orders or gaining legal advice. Sherry herself helps victims at the shelter in a variety of ways, including helping to complete forms to obtain emergency protective orders, and attending court hearings.
Helping Victims Find Self-Worth and Confidence
The work she does offers a high reward, in her opinion.
“From the moment I began working with the women and children we serve, I have had the feeling that this is where God wants me to be. The work is very fulfilling and rewarding when you see that something you did or said to another makes a difference in their life and their safety," says Sherry
For her, the most fulfilling aspect of her job is being able to help victims find their self worth. Sherry says watching them blossom and grow is so rewarding.
The Tug Valley Recovery Shelter is a certified non-profit agency. To find out how you can support their work through monetary donations, other needed items, or to learn more about their services, check out their Facebook page.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Since 1987, October has been designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to domesticviolence.org domestic violence takes place about every 15 seconds in the United States. Domestic Violence Awareness month hopes to educate about and bring awareness to domestic violence, as well as bring support and strength to victims in need.
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