ROCKINGHAM – The Richmond Senior High School class of 1977 Reunion Committee Chairman Mike Patrick issued a challenge and his classmates duly responded.
At the behest of Patrick, and in commemoration of their 40th year since graduating high school, the approximate 135 homecoming attendees were quick to provide donations of both money and items to New Horizons Life and Family Services of Rockingham.
Focusing primarily on domestic violence situations, New Horizons also assists victims of sexual exploitation, elder abuse and human trafficking. All services are free.
As an immediate resource for those in need of such services, New Horizons offers a 24-hour crisis line, emergency transportation, referrals, counseling, court accompaniment, community outreach, and emergency shelter.
In his role as pastor at Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Patrick encouraged churches of all denominations to join in the support of New Horizons and any other agency that seeks to prevent violence and abuse of any type.
“As a former law enforcement officer, I have seen firsthand the value of the services rendered to victims of domestic abuse,” said Patrick.
Staff members Karen Bostick, Kelly Cunningham and Sally “the human services intern from Richmond Community College,” were all quite appreciative of the many items that Patrick delivered.
“As a grant-funded organization, we are highly dependent on volunteers and items for everyday use at the shelter,” said Bostick.
“We are always in need of any type of item, of course, but volunteer services of any type are invaluable,” Cunningham added.
More information may be gleaned from the organization’s website www.newhorizonsagency.com, or by calling 910-997-4448.
Donations can be mailed or personally delivered to 801 East Broad Street, Suite 15, Broad Square Plaza, Rockingham, N.C., 28379.
The New Horizons office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but maintains continuous operation of its 24-hour crisis line at (910) 997-4840.
