Men Who Care Luncheon Raises Awareness, Support for Helpmate
On September 15th, 2009 nearly 200 Men Who Care came together to take a stand against domestic violence.
Present among them was Dr. John Stewart, Past President of Helpmate's Board of Directors and a long time volunteer for the agency. It was his idea, well over 15 years ago, to challenge men in our community to understand the problem of domestic abuse and to care for its victims.
The second bi-annual Men Who Care luncheon at Asheville's Renaissance Hotel was co-chaired by Dr. Stewart, K. Ray Bailey, W.Louis Bissette, Jr., Joe Brumit, and Robby Russell. The co-chairs had support of over 20 table hosts and over 50 community sponsors. Click here to see a full list of hosts and sponsors.
Attendees listened to the eloquent but difficult story told by a survivor and former Helpmate client, who explained her journey away from violence with the agency she now supports.
Community response was heartening to Dr. Stewart, who said, "I always knew that a huge piece of beginning to curb domestic violence was to hold up the scope and severity of this problem to the public. We needed to get their attention, and if so, they would respond, and they did."
Co-chair Joe Brumit echoed Dr. Stewart's sentiments: "It is important for men to step up to the plate and educate themselves about domestic violence and the resources Helpmate provides to its victims, and how we can prevent this social epidemic."
Nearly $40,000 was raised in sponsorships and gifts through the event. For victims of domestic violence, this community support means that they will have an opportunity to heal and have hope for 
their future. Last fiscal year, Helpmate provided services to over 1,600 clients through emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, case management, civil and criminal court advocacy, a 24-hour crisis line, and preventive education.
Support couldn't come at a better time, as the recession has increased demand for Helpmate's services. This past fiscal year, Helpmate saw a 45% increase in the number of clients for which they provided safe shelter, a 43% increase in the maximum length of stay, a 25% increase in the number of crisis calls, and a 20% increase in the number of nights of emergency shelter provided.
