Law-enforcement officers from around the area recently hit the green and raised $5,100 for Helen’s Haven, a nonprofit children’s advocacy center operated primarily by donations.
The second annual Law Enforcement Sharing Network Golf Tournament, organized by the Ludowici Police Department, was held at Taylors Creek Golf Course on Fort Stewart. Helen’s Haven coordinator Terri Liles and Fraser Center Development Director David Morris attended the event and accepted the donation.
“The center was opened in May 2005 and has helped over 1,000 kids and their families,” Liles said. “We wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the community’s support. Everything in our office has come from some kind of contribution from the community.”
Liles said Helen’s Haven’s office is in Hinesville, but they provide services to all counties in the Atlantic Judicial Circuit, which includes Liberty and Long. She said the center’s counselor is the first person to have contact with a child when child abuse is suspected by the Department of Family and Children’s Service or local law enforcement agencies.
The center ensures that all the victimized child’s needs are addressed while helping other members of the child’s family.
“Before we opened, no service like this was provided in this area. Those officers and caseworkers would have to travel to other counties and make arrangements to take the children. This was hard on the kids, the families, and also cost the agencies more in manpower,” Liles said.
She said funds raised by the golf tournament will be helpful at the center.
“On behalf of Helen’s Haven, I am very thankful for this donation. I know Chief Robertson and (Officer) Diannia (Duncan), and they are always very supportive and helpful,” Liles said.
LPD Chief Richard Robertson said, “Helen’s Haven does some great things, and we were just very glad to do what we could by getting them this money.”
For more information on Helen’s Haven, email Liles at tliles@frasercenter.com or call 369-2326.