NEW CRISIS CENTER HOLDS OPEN HOUSE

The Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence (SEMO-NASV) celebrated more than two years of hard work by holding an open house at 63 Doctors Park Sunday afternoon to show the public what had been accomplished.

When fully operational, the center will offer crisis intervention and counseling for victims of sexual violence.

Volunteer advocates will offer support and assistance while victims continue through the legal process.

Sexual assault forensic and nurse exams will also be done at the facility.

Thanks to private and business donations, state-of-the-art equipment is available for use during interviews. This videotaping process will allow all appropriate parties (prosecutors, police, therapists) to have their questions answered at one time thus avoiding multiple interviews that can re-traumatize the victims.

Kathy Blevins, SEMO-NASV board member, and Dr. Jonathan Thomas, who donated the space for the clinic, were on hand along with board president Tammy Gwaltney to answer questions and give tours at the open house.

"Everything you see here from the carpet cleaning to the wallcoverings has been donated," said Blevins.

A lot has been accomplished, but there is still more to do before the clinic will be fully operational.

"What we need now is money," said Gwaltney.

The board is hoping the 50 percent tax credit will be an incentive for people to donate to the center.