For 35 years, Hubbard House has been providing shelter, protection and other essential services to battered spouses and their children.
For 17 years, local advocates have gathered one morning each year to raise awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence and to offer their moral, spiritual and financial support.
More than 500 people assembled Wednesday morning at the Hyatt Downtown for the 17th Annual Barbara Ann Campbell Memorial Breakfast.
They heard a report about the contributions made since 1976 by Hubbard House, listened to a former client share her story and saw awards presented to two of Jacksonville’s leading champions in the effort to mitigate domestic violence and the effect it has on families.
In 1985, the organization opened its first thrift store and in 1996 moved into its present location, which includes the shelter, administrative offices, a child care center and a school for children who are living there.
The event is named in honor of former Mayor Jake Godbold’s sister-in-law, who was abused and murdered by her spouse.
“This is a day to honor all of those who have died,” said Ellen Siler, Hubbard House CEO.
Hubbard House began as a rape crisis hotline. The organizers soon realized that few services were available for women who were the victims of domestic violence.
In 1976, they purchased a house on Hubbard Street that has since become a safe haven and resource center for victims and their children.
It was the first domestic violence shelter in Florida and the 13th in the United States, said Siler.
Since the day it opened, Hubbard House has provided shelter to more than 28,000 victims and has helped three times that many, she said.
“A victim coming forward today will find many more services available than in 1976. The number of victims who die due to domestic violence has been dramatically reduced. We have made real progress in saving lives, but each death is a tragedy,” said Siler.
Circuit Judge David Wiggins received the Domestic Peace Award in recognition of his service to victims of domestic violence.
He has been the administrative judge of the Family Law Division and Juvenile and Dependency divisions since 1997. Wiggins also has represented the judiciary on the Domestic Violence Intervention Project since 1996 and is a past president of the Family Law Inn of Court.
‘There is a lot more work to be done. We have to keep up the good fight,” said Wiggins.
Godbold, who received the Domestic Peace Award in 1998, was called to the podium Wednesday to be presented the Hands of Peace Award.
“We’re here to thank him for his commitment, dedication and hard work to help make our community free of domestic violence,” said Siler.
“It’s very rewarding to see the success of this program,” Godbold said.
He spoke of his sister-in-law, who was murdered in 1995 by her husband of 38 years.
“Out of her horrible death, something happened that was good. It brought more attention to domestic violence from law enforcement and judges,” said Godbold.
He urged those present to continue to support Hubbard House and to encourage others to do so.
“It’s not easy to donate in times like these, but we are judged as a community by how we treat our weakest people,” said Godbold.
For more information about Hubbard House and opportunities to contribute and volunteer, visit www.hubbardhouse.org.
356-2466