Leslie Payne, executive director for Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter in Meridian, was selected by the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence (MCADV) to represent Mississippi at the 2nd World Conference of Women’s Shelters. 

    The conference was held in Washington, D.C. and attracted more than 1,600 advocates, service providers, government representatives, funders and activists from around the globe.

    In every nation of the world, domestic violence shelters provide lifesaving refuge and support for women and children fleeing violence, helping them to plan for safety and new lives. Care Lodge is the only certified domestic violence shelter in East Central Mississippi and one of only ten certified shelters in the state.  As the MCADV’s chosen representative, Payne will share her insight from the conference with the Coalition’s member shelters.

    “The Coalition was honored to have Ms. Payne serve as a board representative at the conference,” stated Anna Walker Crump, executive director for MCADV. “Ms. Payne has brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the domestic violence field and the information gathered at this conference will be useful not only with her own community but with others across the state as she continues her work with the Coalition.”

    “I was reminded at the conference that we are not alone in our work and that communities everywhere face many of the same basic key issues — such as dealing with myths surrounding domestic violence, blaming the victim, holding offenders accountable and providing adequate services with limited resources,” Payne commented. “One common factor I noted for successful programs, something we certainly find here at Care Lodge, is that to succeed the organization must have the support and cooperation of the community they serve.”

    After 30 years of providing services in our community, Care Lodge remains dedicated to their original mission of providing safe shelter and comprehensive programs and services specifically designed for victims of domestic violence.  In 2011, Care Lodge provided over 6,700 total nights of safe shelter to victims of domestic violence and their children.

    “I appreciate the MCADV for selecting me to attend the conference and for covering all costs associated with the trip,” stated Payne. “It was a valuable opportunity to meet and network with other advocates working to end domestic violence by supporting victims and holding perpetrators accountable.”

    Established in 1981, Care Lodge is the only certified domestic violence shelter within east central Mississippi that provides safe shelter and comprehensive services to adult victims of domestic violence and their children, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Care Lodge provides services for over 1,000 clients every year and serves the residents of Lauderdale, Clarke, Kemper, Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Scott and Winston counties.  For more information, please visit www.carelodge.com or call Care Lodge at (601) 693-HOPE.