Violence Free Futures, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing hope and healing for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, has named Celeste Hurley as its new executive director.

July 11, 2024

Violence Free Futures, a non-profit supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, has appointed Celeste Hurley as its new executive director, replacing Debbie Matheson. Hurley, who started on July 8, has seven years of experience with the organization, progressing from intern to roles like crisis intervention specialist and sexual assault response specialist. She was unanimously chosen by the board after a competitive search. Hurley aims to continue the organization’s mission of hope and healing. Violence Free Futures, founded in 1979, offers services including a crisis hotline, safe housing, and a Certified Rape Crisis Center.

Violence Free Futures Announces Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Outreach Campus

June 6, 2024

Violence Free Futures, a nonprofit supporting domestic and sexual violence survivors, is celebrating the grand opening of its second campus in Greene County on June 27. The new 4,300-square-foot facility will offer counseling, intervention, and prevention programs to address the growing demand for services. Executive Director Debbie Matheson highlighted the expansion’s importance in reaching more families in need. The ribbon-cutting event will include tours and information on the organization’s services. Formed in 1979 as the Family Violence Prevention Center, Violence Free Futures helped over 9,100 survivors in 2023.

Greene County Women’s Hall of Fame inductees announced

September 23, 2023

The Greene County Women’s Hall of Fame will recognize five new inductees for their extraordinary service to Greene County and their communities, at its 43rd annual luncheon including Carolyn Destefani, Constance Kendall-Goss, Debbie Matheson, Catherine Roma, and Beth Rubin.

Violence Free Futures Unveils Dynamic Rebranding: Dual Focus on Domestic and Sexual Violence

August 17, 2023

The Family Violence Prevention Center has rebranded as “Violence Free Futures,” unveiling a new name, vision, tagline, and visual identity to better reflect its expanded mission of supporting both domestic and sexual violence survivors. The organization, founded in 1979, now offers comprehensive services, including a 24-hour crisis hotline, safe housing, counseling, and a certified rape crisis center. In 2022, they assisted over 8,000 survivors. The rebranding aligns with a strategic plan to provide hope and healing, and the agency is set to open a 4,300-square-foot outreach center by late 2023 to meet increasing demands.

Family Violence Prevention Center strategizing to meet Greene
County’s growing domestic and sexual violence demands

March 13, 2023

The Family Violence Prevention Center faced growing domestic violence and sexual violence demands in Greene County during 2022 and is planning for higher numbers in 2023/24. In 2022, the nonprofit organization helped more than 8,000 survivors by providing homecooked meals or just a safe spot to curl up and start over. Thirty percent of Greene County’s families have been impacted in one way or another by domestic violence.

Pandemic relief money to pay for new Xenia community center, aid victims of abuse

February 6, 2023

The Family Violence Prevention Center has rebranded as “Violence Free Futures,” unveiling a new name, vision, tagline, and visual identity to better reflect its expanded mission of supporting both domestic and sexual violence survivors. The organization, founded in 1979, now offers comprehensive services, including a 24-hour crisis hotline, safe housing, counseling, and a certified rape crisis center. In 2022, they assisted over 8,000 survivors. The rebranding aligns with a strategic plan to provide hope and healing, and the agency is set to open a 4,300-square-foot outreach center by late 2023 to meet increasing demands.

‘Ready to help folks;’ domestic violence center expansion planned

February 10, 2023

The Domestic Violence Prevention Center of Greene County is expanding its services after 20 years by creating an outreach center for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. The center, which helped over 7,400 survivors last year, offers meals, safe spaces, counseling, and support groups. With $1 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the expansion will enhance its services. Established in 1979, the center has a long history of providing shelter, advocacy, and prevention programs to combat domestic violence in the community.

FVPC to Host Candlelight Vigil for Domestic Violence Victims

October 2, 2022

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Greene County’s Family Violence Prevention Center (FVPC) is raising awareness through its third annual candlelight vigil on October 3, 2022, at The Greene Towne Square. Domestic violence cases are increasing in the county, with 139 cases handled as of July, up from 117 the previous year. The vigil will include a “Pause for Peace,” a display of story-telling t-shirts created by survivors, and a musical presentation. FVPC continues its mission of helping victims escape and overcome domestic violence.

FVPC to include pets in planning

July 7, 2022

The Family Violence Prevention Center (FVPC) in Greene County has launched the “Sheltering Pets” project, allowing victims of domestic violence to bring their pets to the shelter for safety. This initiative addresses the common concern of abusers threatening or harming pets, which often prevents victims from leaving. The project, supported by community partners and donors, includes indoor and outdoor spaces for pets and offers safety planning for families with animals. FVPC provides a comprehensive range of services, including a crisis hotline, safe housing, advocacy, and counseling, to support victims in rebuilding their lives.

ARPA project expenditures approved

April 15, 2022

The Greene County Board of Commissioners approved several projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), allocating part of $33 million. The Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative received $1 million for men’s recovery housing and a trade school. Other projects include upgrades to the Xenia Chamber of Commerce, animal control, county infrastructure, and $1.1 million for the Family Violence Prevention Center’s Rape Crisis Center.

I-TEAM: Pets used as pawns in domestic violence

February 14, 2022

Over 10 million Americans experience domestic violence annually, with many victims owning pets. However, only 15% of domestic violence shelters nationwide are pet-friendly, causing about half of victims to delay leaving abusive situations to protect their pets. Domestic violence survivor Bobbi Creech currently lives in her car with her pets, highlighting the lack of pet-friendly shelters. Organizations like Artemis Center and SICSA offer temporary pet foster care, but resources are limited. The Family Violence Prevention Center of Greene County plans to address this by creating seven pet-friendly rooms, thanks to a $46,000 grant from Red Rover. This initiative aims to help victims keep their pets and recover more effectively.