Hubbard House hosted its 17th Annual Barbara Ann Campbell Memorial Breakfast, Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel in downtown Jacksonville. The breakfast was presented by Joan L. Huffman M.D., Mrs. James S. Taylor and the Weaver Family Foundation.
More than 500 community members attended the breakfast to raise awareness about domestic violence, remember those who have lost their lives at the hands of a loved one, honor those who have survived domestic violence, and to send the message that ending abuse is a priority. Click here to view the photos from the breakfast.
This year’s breakfast commemorated Hubbard House’s 35th year of serving our community. The event highlighted the progress that has been made in regards to domestic violence awareness and services available to victims. However, there is still more progress that needs to be made.
“Unfortunately, in 71% of [domestic violence] homicides the police were never called, the shelter was never called so we had no opportunity to intervene,” said Hubbard House CEO Ellen Siler. “That is why awareness events, like this breakfast, are so very important. People need to know that domestic violence can turn lethal at any time and that there is help available. People need to know their call could save a life.”
Hubbard House provides services to more than 6,000 woman, children, and men annually. Victims of domestic violence and their children are not charged for the life-saving services they receive.
The keynote speaker for the event was Vena Patton, a survivor of domestic violence who was helped by Hubbard House. Patton shared her experience in hopes of encouraging others who may be in a violent relationship to make a call for help. “I [share my experience] with hopes and dreams that something I say will touch someone’s life and make a difference,” said Patton. “You see, if I can help another victim of domestic violence become a survivor, this would make all those years of abuse worth it.”
In addition, the Honorable David C. Wiggins was presented with the Domestic Peace Award for his 15 years of providing support to the Domestic Violence Intervention Project, a collaboration focused on increasing victim safety by improving the criminal and civil response to domestic violence. Former Jacksonville Mayor Jake Godbold was presented with the Hands of Peace Award for his continued dedication to help further the Hubbard House mission of Every Relationship Violence-Free.
All funds raised from the event support Hubbard House’s emergency shelter.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship please call the 24-hour Hubbard House domestic violence hotline at (904) 354-3114 or at (800) 500-1119. Hubbard House can help.
ABOUT HUBBARD HOUSE
Founded as the first domestic violence shelter in Florida in 1976, Hubbard House is a certified, comprehensive domestic violence center providing programs and services to more than 6,000 women, children, and men annually in Duval and Baker counties. While Hubbard House is most known for its emergency shelter, the agency also provides extensive adult and youth outreach services, school-based education, therapeutic childcare, batterers’ intervention programs, court advocacy and volunteer and community education opportunities. Visit www.hubbardhouse.org to learn more.
By Ashley Johnson Scott