The Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention Makes Donation to South Central Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department

The Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention recently hosted an undergarment drive at their local facility to aid local victims of sexual assault. Men’s, women’s and children’s new undergarments that were collected were donated to the South Central Regional Medical Center Emergency Department. The Shafer Center, an agency of the United Way of the Pine Belt Region, is a social change agency dedicated to serving all survivors of sexual violence and co-victims of violent death. Teresa Ellzey, Victim Advocate, Educator and Social Worker at The Shafer Center, presented the donation to Blake Munna, RN, Director of the SCRMC Emergency Department.

Pictured – Teresa Ellzey, Victim Advocate, Educator and Social Worker at The Shafer Center, and Blake Munna, RN, Director of the SCRMC Emergency Department.

“We are proud to be able to provide over 500 new undergarments for men, women and children who have experienced a traumatic event,” said Ellzey. “It takes a lot for a victim to seek help, so our hope is that by leaving the hospital with new undergarments this will start the healing process.”

The Shafer Center is a nonprofit, free community resource center that provides support when someone needs it the most. The facility has staff and volunteers who are highly trained to provide support and advocacy for crisis situations.

Ellzey, a victim of sexual assault, understands the importance of having local resources available for victims. “By having a local agency, people can seek help privately and have a support system. I began at The Shafer Center receiving counseling for my experience, and overtime with support and education, I am now able to help others as an employee. I have worked with the center for over 12 years.”

“South Central’s Emergency Department is very grateful for the donation for our patients,” said Munna. “The patient’s dignity means the world to us. We hope these items will take a step in the direction to make them feel themselves again.”

The Shafer Center offers a 24-hour a day, 7 day a week crisis line at 601-264-7777. The crisis line is staffed with trained volunteers who can assist with situations. To learn more about The Shafer Center, visit theshafercenter.info or contact the office in Laurel at 601-649-1721.