by Tracy Agnew
Special to The Tidewater News

SUFFOLK
A local domestic violence shelter opened a new facility in Suffolk on Thursday, and they marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The new Genieve Shelter facility features multiple offices for advocates and a children’s center, and the facility is in a much safer location than its previous building. The prior location was located near the courthouse in downtown.

The safety issue was mainly due to a poor parking situation and being so close to offenders at the courthouse.

“This was always a hope, but it became a necessity to get a new office because it was unsafe,” said President of the Board of Directors Vanessa Galloway. “Now we are safe, and I am thrilled.”

The shelter serves a large area in Virginia — Southampton County, Surry County, Isle of Wight County, Franklin and Suffolk.

At the request of shelter officials, the location of the new facility is not being published for the safety of survivors.

Along with the new location, employees at Genieve Shelter also celebrated 30 years as a non-profit. Their official 30-year anniversary is celebrated on May 26.

A celebration gala will be held for the anniversary later in the year, and tickets are on sale for $50. The gala will be held on Friday, Sept. 7, at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront.

The theme will be “Worth More Than Diamonds and Pearls.” For more information, the office can be contacted at 925-4365.

The shelter provides refuge and a supportive environment for victims of domestic violence, stalking and human trafficking. Part of the services of the Genieve Shelter is to provide emergency shelter, and they now have four houses and four townhouses to provide shelter.

Also in support of the organization, the Angel Quilters from Smithfield are currently taking donations for quilting materials. There are 12 children that will be receiving quilts and bags from the group. The group is associated with Trinity United Methodist Church. For information or to drop off materials, call Julia Hopkins at 754-6996.

All services at the shelter are free, and they can be accessed by calling 1-800-969-4673.

TRACY AGNEW is editor of The Suffolk News-Herald. Contact her at tracy.agnew@suffolknewsherald.com.