Ride benefits Haven House

Wrangling cash for Haven House is a skill area trail riders have been sharpening for more than three decades. The 32nd Haven House Trail Ride brought in $19,606 to help fund the domestic violence shelter’s general operating expenses.

New rider and top fundraiser Stacy Allen’s saddlebags contained $7,067. Repeat riders Carolyn Cravens and Susan Lawson captured second and third places, respectively.

Cravens lassoed second placed with donations totaling $4,020 and Lawson’s third place donations equaled $2,431.

Doctors Rick and John Blaich hosted the event, which was held Saturday, for the second year. They extended the length of this year’s ride, which also included self-guided history and nature tours.

Haven House Board President Amber Tinker said, “I’m so thankful we are part of a community who sees the value in the work we do at Haven House. The generosity we have been shown makes a direct impact in the lives of whom we serve.”

Haven House has 31 beds available for adults and children who are seeking shelter or have been forced from their homes due to violence.

Lisa Reynolds Insurance Agency, LLC, was the major sponsor this year. Additional sponsors were Glory Days Bar and Grill, Poplar Bluff Realty, Inc., Steak ‘n Shake, Minton Environmental Consultants, LLC, Haffy’s, Fishin’ Pig, Bob Sutton Real Estate & Loans, Ward Trucking and Mary Francis Maddox.

The trail ride has proven to be the most successful annual fundraising event and Haven House Executive Director Mary Ann Allen said, “We have riders who work really hard to collect money.”

Prizes were a $1,500 VISA gift card, compliments of Poplar Bluff Realty, Steak ‘n Shake and the Haven House board of directors; a $1,000 VISA gift card compliments of Lisa Reynolds Insurance and a $500 Pit Boss Pellet Grill compliments of Glory Days Bar and Grill.

While in the shelter, adult survivors have the opportunity to make a safety plan and set goals, join a peer support group or participate in individual counseling. Advocates are available to help with community referrals. Shelter, meals and hygiene items are provided to all residents at no cost. Shelter beds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but those in need must call or text ahead to be accepted into the shelter.

Peer support groups are facilitated by trained professionals and many participants find encouragement, strength and support from engaging in daily discussions with those who have experienced the same problems, according to organizers. Specialized support groups are available for those affected by domestic or sexual assault, as well as for those whose victimization has been complicated by substance abuse.

Life skills, including parenting, budgeting and women’s health topics are also offered.

Meetings are at no cost to participants, and anyone who is a survivor of domestic or sexual violence is welcome to attend.

Not everyone who utilizes Haven House is in need of shelter, according to organizers. For those who need outreach resources, advocates are available to meet with them individually and discuss the dynamics of sexual assault.

Assistance is available for obtaining household and hygiene items, safety planning and community referrals as survivors find ways to gain control over their lives.

Advocates are available in both the 36th Judicial Circuit civil and criminal courts. Assistance with protection orders, safety planning, notification of rights, accompaniment and applications for Crime Victims Assistance are services offered to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. Advocates can also offer empathetic listening, community referrals and information about domestic violence and its effects on the victim and their family. Court advocates will continue providing services to crime victims until their cases are resolved in court.

Batterers’ intervention is a court-mandated program for those who have been convicted of domestic assault or a related crime, or have been ordered to attend by the probation or parole officer and emphasizes zero tolerance for new incidents of abuse. This 26-week program holds batterers accountable, educates them on the effects their actions have on the victim and underscores they must learn and decide to act differently, according to organizers.