The board of Amelia’s Voice presented representatives form the Help Restore Hope Center with a $5000 donation ahead of the organization’s annual AW5K. The center is the designated provider for domestic violence support services in Chenango County. (Photo by Rebecca Laibowitz)

OXFORD – On the morning of Saturday, Oct. 31, Amelia's Voice held its annual AW5K race. Before the race launched, Amelia's Voice presented a $5,000 donation to the Help Restore Hope Center, a nonprofit whose mission is to support domestic violence survivors in Chenango County by offering free and confidential services.

Amelia's Voice board members presented the check to Kelli Harris, CEO of Liberty Resources, Help Restore Hope's parent organization, and Rachel Davies, divisional director of the center serving the region, in a brief ceremony before the start of the race.

Tammi Tompkins-Menard, president of Amelia's Voice and Amelia Wakefield's grandmother, opened the morning by emphasizing the organization's purpose.

“Amelia's voice is a non profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence, supporting survivors, and helping to make safer communities. We believe everyone deserves to live a life free from fear, abuse and domestic violence,” she said. “Through awareness, education, and community support, we get to remind survivors that they are not alone and help is available.”

She also spoke about how the Help Restore Hope Center shares that commitment, saying, “No matter when the abuse occurred or whether you choose to report it to the police, the Help Restore Hope Center is there to help. They provide connections to safe housing, crisis counseling, advocacy, and long-term solutions to help survivors rebuild their lives.”

She concluded her remarks by reaffirming the drive behind Amelia's Voice. “At Amelia's Voice, we believe that every voice matters. Every story deserves to be heard and every survivor deserves hope. Together, through awareness, compassion, and support, we can make a difference,” she said.

Harris thanked the board and crowd for their support as she introduced herself and spoke about the importance of community action.

“We're very pleased to be here today with you all, supporting Amelia's Voice and honoring Amelia's memory and reminding people that domestic violence is an issue that needs our attention. We're honored to accept this donation and put it towards our program's mission, empowering survivors to make their own decisions, providing the support they need to move forward, and helping them access services that they would choose,” Harris said. “It's really special to see a community come together like this, taking something so difficult and turning it into an opportunity to help others.”

Davies followed with an overview of Help Restore Hope's services, noting that the center is the designated provider of domestic violence and sexual assault services in the area. She highlighted the program's wide range of support, including family court petition assistance, orders of protection, crime victims compensation applications, legal advocacy, safety planning, short-term therapy and referrals to community resources.

“We also operate a safe dwelling for individuals who are actively fleeing violent situations, providing a place of safety and comfort when it is needed the most,” Davies said. “Every situation is different and can be complicated by housing challenges, financial concerns, the involvement of children, or just not being ready to leave. We are always here to help no matter what, without judgment, but instead with compassion and support,” she added.

Davies encouraged anyone experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, or anyone concerned for a loved one, to reach out to the center's 24/7 hotline at 1-855-966-9723. She said they are “ready to meet you wherever you are in the situation that you face.”

She concluded by expressing hope that everyone present would remain committed to raising awareness and creating a community where survivors are treated with dignity.

“May Amelia's voice continue to inspire conversations, strengthen our community, and remind us that every voice matters,” said Davies. “We are honored to be here today with Amelia's voice and be part of the work that carries her memory forward.”

Amelia's Voice board members then presented the $5,000 check to the organization, and the presentation concluded with applause before the race began.