The ARK Domestic Violence Shelter (The ARK) is proud to introduce several new faces, including Mary Morrison, Program Director. Morrison holds a BA from Howard Payne University in Social Services. Previously, she was working with Center for Life Resources. Morrison recently spoke at The ARK’s candlelight Vigil in October as a domestic violence survivor. Her experiences give her a very real insight to dangers that victims of domestic violence and sexual assault face every day and help her know how to help those victims who come to The ARK.
“What I’d like to integrate into The ARK’s program is to focus more on the individual needs of each client on a day by day basis.” Morrison said. “From the day they come in, to the day they leave, they should be counseled daily to see what progress they are making.”
Executive Director Terri Densman added, “We are very excited to have Mary added to our team. She not only brings compassion, she brings discipline and direction for the future. She is the best example there is of turning that dark moment in your life around and making your life count. We are lucky to have found her.”
Another new face at The ARK is Amanda Aguirre, Sexual Assault and Legal Advocate. Aguirre has a background of working in an attorney’s office which helps her to understand the role she will play as she accompanies victims of domestic violence and sexual assault into the courtroom as they face their abusers. She is also a mom, a model, and an active participant at the Lyric Theatre.
Savannah Cox, while not a new face to The ARK, recently stepped up from the position of Sexual Assault/Legal Advocate to become The ARK’s Community Education Coordinator. Cox has taken on the task of teaching the youth in our community the many aspects of domestic violence and sexual assault; how to recognize it, avoid it later in life, and how to stop it in our community. She also visits clubs and organizations for training. Among her training tools are the WHO program, and the In Her Shoes programs.
Angela Ayers is also a new employee at the New Administration offices as the new receptionist. Among her many responsibilities are accepting donations, inputting data, and monitoring the hot line. Ayers and her husband recently moved here from the Midland area. There are also several new part time advocates. Among those are Elva Cantu, Kim Spruill, Cynthia Mays, and Elaine Young.
For more information about The ARK or the services provided by The ARK, please contact the ARK at 325-643-2699 or online at www.arkshelter.org.
Pictured above: New Program Director Mary Morrison and new Sexual Assault/Legal Advocate Amanda Aguirre.
