DUBLIN, Ga. — Next year, more financial help could be coming to Georgia's nonprofits that support domestic violence victims.
On Dec. 7, Governor Brian Kemp announced he would give an additional $13.2 million to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council's Victim's Services Grant.
In Laurens County, there's only one shelter that specifically helps domestic violence victims. Heather Mullis is the executive director of WINGS, which helps victims in seven central Georgia counties.
"Definitely an increase in people reaching out for our services. I took a look at our numbers this afternoon, about a 40% increase in callers requesting help since this time last year," Mullis said.
WINGS has a shelter for domestic violence victims, but they don't stop there.
"We provide a variety of services. Starting with our 24 hour helpline, where the victims can call, get information, access services, and be provided with resources or referrals," Mullis said.
They also help with legal advocacy, case management, support groups, and needs domestic violence victims have.
Their help is always free, even when it doesn't come cheap to the nonprofit.
"Our operating expenses are probably up about ten or fifteen percent. Groceries, electricity, you know, things like that have been difficult to keep up with for us," Mullis said.
That's why she was excited to hear the news of more funds going towards fighting domestic violence.
"It affects the whole community, and that's why it's important for the community or the local government, or the state government to support our agencies. Because the services that we provide can have a positive effect on the community by reducing some of the negative impact of domestic violence," Mullis said.
In the past few years, she said the cases they've responded to have gotten more violent. And during COVID-19, people needed extra help.
"A lot more people were working from home which meant that they didn't get to leave their abuser. Or their abuser never went to work himself," Mullis said.
She wants people to know that even if they don't need to stay in their shelter, they can still reach out for help with other resources.
In addition being funded by grants, WINGS does take donations on their website, or you can call their administration line at 478-272-5880.