The Diane Peppler Resource Center (DPRC) provides a safe, secure, and supportive environment for survivors of domestic violence and their families. Survivors are given the opportunity to find their inner strength, while gaining an understanding of domestic abuse, have their questions answered, and explore their options.
That is the center's mission statement on its website as being a 'Resource for Survivors.'
Since 1979, DPRC has served over 5,600 individuals or families who have experienced either sexual assault or domestic violence.
The center provides emergency shelter and a 24-hour crisis hotline, safety planning, children and teen services, legal advocacy and so much more.
However, without the help of generous donors, the center would have a hard time being sustainable.
Today, one such donor stepped up.
Risë Thompson and Sandee Strahan from True North Auto Body presented a $2,800 check to DPRC Executive Director, Betsy Cronkhite-Huggett to help out with their mission.
"There are always people in the community that will donate to us. There are always people that care about lifting up other people," Cronkhite-Huggett said.
True North Auto Body is just one of many businesses that support DPRC.
The idea for the fundraiser came up before the holidays.
"We were just sitting around and talking and wanted to do something for Christmas for a family in the community, we then decided to do the fundraiser for Diane Peppler because I know somebody that could use their services so it's a little near and dear to the heart. We were excited to do it," Strahan said.
Then another light bulb went off.
"We then decided we (True North Auto) would match any donations. First, we thought it would be just food, but people mostly gave us money, which was fine because it can go towards what the center needs," Strahan said.
Prior to Christmas, True North donated enough food for several people and gift bags.
Strahan donated $500 in memory of her mother, and then money brought in from customers, and others was matched.
"We had $1,150 in cash donations, so we matched that then added the $500.00 in honor of my mom," Strahan added.
Cronkhite-Huggett already has a few things that this donation could go towards.
"We have to rebuild our backyard playground area because it was all wood and has become dilapidated. The second thing we need to do is build a pet-friendly shelter so that people that are leaving their situation can bring their pets with them. The third thing is we are redoing some areas in the shelter to give them more of a purpose. We want to create a very user-friendly craft area," Cronkhite-Huggett said.
If you would like more information about the DPRC, click here.
