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KINGSPORT — Local giving circle 100+ Tri-Cities Women Who Care selected Branch House Family Justice Center as the recipient of its 8th Big Give. Giving circle members have donated $10,500, and further donations are accepted from the public.
“We encourage everyone — men and women — to donate any amount to this worthy cause,” said Becca Davis, founder of 100+ Tri-Cities Women Who Care. “Area women are invited to join our giving circle.”
“Branch House exists to help others during their worst experiences,” said giving circle member and Branch House Board Member Natalie Harris. “A person comes and we have 39 agencies who partner with us to provide what each person needs at that time and help them navigate how to get help by coming to one place,” Harris continued. “We have an entire community all working together to help in a way that matters most to the person and his or her family.”
Branch House advocates for and empowers survivors of abuse through unified community engagement, education, and collaboration. Their services are free and confidential. Funds from the 8th Big Give will be used to help them purchase a new, larger exam table and to fund telehealth so that a doctor can be virtually present with a nurse to prescribe sexual assault victims medication to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
“Accomplishing these two goals will be a huge step in the healing process for victims of abuse,” said Deb Richmond, Branch House’s Executive Director. “It is a privilege to live and work in a community that believes there should be zero tolerance for abuse. Thank you, 100+ Tri-Cities Women Who Care, for being an integral part of the journey.”
Thanks to a partnership with 98.5 WTFM, the 8th Big Give was conducted via local television show A Closer Look. “Watching the video presentations was a great way to learn about our three nominees,” said member Mary Alice Basconi. “This is a wonderful group of women from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life,” Basconi continued. “We don’t always know about the needs around us; the giving circle is a beautiful way to learn who needs help region-wide. Pooling our resources to fund one nonprofit means we make a bigger impact.”
Area women are invited to consider joining. To donate, learn more, or to join, visit www.tricitieswomenwhocare.com.