SABRA holds annual Candlelight Vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness month

Victims and survivors of domestic violence were honored at a recent candlelight vigil sponsored by SABRA Sanctuary at Bloch Park.

The event on Oct. 16 featured a poem by Tia Stewart of the Flourish Foundation (see below) and a song from Doris Nelson. A domestic violence survivor also gave her testimony. A candlelight vigil followed.

SABRA Sanctuary has moved into a new shelter at an undisclosed location. The facility can house almost 20 people. The organization also has a hotel fund that can pay for rooms for mothers and families fleeing domestic violence.

SABRA sanctuary is expanding its services to survivors of sexual assault. The organization is working with area law enforcement, and ACADV (Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence) and ACAR (Alabama Coalition Against Rape) to strengthen its work with survivors of sexual assault.

Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Dallas, Greene, Sumter, Wilcox and Marengo counties are served by SABRA.

The United Way has been a strong supporter of the organization, and the Mennonites’ Disaster Services helped to rebuild the SABRA shelter, which was damaged in the 2023 tornado. The shelter still needs some improvements, particularly the kitchen.

Selma AIR is working with SABRA on intakes, and they are offering free HIV testing and support for housing assistance, mental health services and other services.

SABRA is also looking for help with financial literacy workshops for their clients.

SABRA Sanctuary’s Administrative building is located on Dallas Avenue in Selma. Their P.O Box is 393. Selma AIR is located at 102 Central Park Place in Selma, and their Wellness Center is on 104 Executive Park Lane in Selma.

SABRA’s Crisis line number is (334) 874- 8711; Toll Free Line: 1-800-650-6522 (statewide). Office: (334) 877-4645; Fax: (334) 418-0192.

Selma AIR can be reached at (334) 872-6795 and its Wellness Center at (334) 418-5055.

SABRA Board Member Dr. Sherri Cook said, “Love is a shelter, not a weapon. Abuse is never acceptable. No words or actions can justify hurting the one you love. Love never causes pain.”

Excerpt from Breathe a poem

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By Tia Stewart

I want to encourage survivors to — walk and to speak,

realizing you are the hope of your ancestors,

the women in your family, who were not walking freely from abuse and oppression.

You are the hope of many survivors; the answer to many questions.

Can anyone ever be free from this?

Can anyone ever get past this?

You are the answer of the prayers of many that said,

“Let me meet someone; let me see with my own eyes

the true deliverance of a survivor;

a survivor who is doing more than overcoming,

but is flourishing.”