Neosho County proclaims October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month after Hope Unlimited presentation

The Neosho County Commission voted Oct. 1 to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month after hearing a presentation from local nonprofit Hope Unlimited.

Molly Shaughnessy, volunteer coordinator at Hope Unlimited, and intake support specialist Lindsey Thomas told commissioners that for January–December 2023 the agency logged 632 hotline calls across its service area (Woodson, Anderson, Allen and Neosho counties), provided 2,605 shelter bed nights and served 59 shelter residents (41 women and 18 children). Shaughnessy said Hope Unlimited served 234 outreach domestic‑violence clients in that period and recorded 84 clients specifically from Neosho County.

Shaughnessy also said the organization has been approved for a grant of about $1,500,000 toward a capital campaign for a new shelter and is about 75% of the way to its fundraising goal. She said the planned facility would have higher security, be a disclosed location (not openly advertised like the current shelter) and would more than double current capacity. “We are about 75% of our way done with our fundraising, so we're hoping to break ground next year,” she said.

Commissioners moved to approve the proclamation after the presentation; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The proclamation asks residents to observe the month by supporting those who work to end domestic violence and participating in community efforts year‑round. Hope Unlimited representatives thanked the commission and said they will work with county staff as they proceed with the capital campaign.

What happens next: County staff will include the proclamation in the official record and Hope Unlimited will continue fundraising and planning for the proposed shelter.