More than 500 supporters of Hubbard House Inc. gathered Thursday at the Hyatt Downtown for the 18th Annual Barbara Ann Campbell Memorial Breakfast.
Former Jacksonville Mayor Jake Godbold created the annual breakfast in memory of his sister-in-law, who in 1995 was murdered by her husband.
Each year the event is a major fundraiser for Hubbard House, a not-for-profit agency that has for 40 years provided shelter, services and advocacy for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
Last year, Hubbard House served more than 5,000 clients, providing 27,150 days of emergency shelter to 1,105 shelter residents and more than 39,000 hours of counseling services.
“Hubbard House exists to give victims and their families safe haven when they are in danger,” said Martha Pellino, Hubbard House board of directors chair.
“We are grateful that our community recognizes the importance of our work,” she said.
Hubbard House CEO Ellen Siler said that since the residential shelter opened 15 years ago, more than 16,500 women, men and their children have received safe haven “in a comfortable and dignified way.”
Siler said Hubbard House depends on hundreds of volunteers and donors, and a staff of more than 70 people. Some staff members have personally experienced domestic abuse.
“Survivors know firsthand what victims are going through. They know the terror and they know the joy of being a survivor,” she said.
Three staff members who were victims of abuse, including Tammy Taylor, shared their stories with the audience. Taylor has worked for Hubbard House for eight years and currently serves as supervisor of children’s services and shelter.
Taylor said she suffered years of abuse by her husband, including being assaulted in public twice, before she sought refuge and assistance.
“You may not have helped me, but by being here today, you have helped the next me,” she said.
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