The James Bruce Convention Center was filled with supporters, survivors and staff of Sanctuary, Inc. Thursday night for the annual Sanctuary Celebration Dinner.
The event was about honoring the survivors of domestic abuse and looking forward to the future of treatment and support for those who fight against that pain every day. Tarsha Watkins, who was the keynote speaker, was one such woman who turned to Sanctuary for help.
Watkins says she got into a relationship that became abusive, and she went to Sanctuary to save not only herself, but her two children as well.
She says the program does more than just house women—they provide classes, programs for children to participate in, help people apply for jobs, take care of any animals they may have and more. She says Sanctuary was a blessing for her and so many others.
Watkins was also the recipient of the Phenomenal Woman Award. Executive Director Heather Lancaster says they want people to know that it is okay to ask for help.
Toyota of Hopkinsville was the recipient of the Community Partner Award while the winner of the Helping Hands Award was Guthrie Baptist Church. The Lotus Award went to longtime supporter, volunteer and interim director Eston Glover, who said this organization is one of the very best someone can give to.
