Women's Center opens satellite office

Victims of domestic and sexual violence will no longer have to travel to receive the services The Women's Center offers.

Cathy McClanahan, executive director, along with staff, held an open house Wednesday to celebrate the opening of a satellite office in the Bonan Business Center.

"We are very excited to be in the area," McClanahan said. "And we hope that in the next few months we are busy assisting the community."

The Women's Center specializes in helping women, men and children who have been victims of domestic and sexual violence.

There are legal advocates on staff who help victims with criminal cases, assist in house and living situations and provide counseling.

The Women's Center works closely with law enforcement to ensure that the move out of an unhealthy environment is smooth and painless.

The office will include a common room where victims can feel right at home. Toys and books for the children, as well as comfortable home like seating and entertainment for the adults, as they receive their counseling.

The center also offers volunteer programs.

Up until now, the closest satellite office was located in Marion. Now services will be offered in Saline, Johnson and Gallatin counties.

The Center as a whole serves more than 1,000 women, men and children each year. The Carbondale shelter houses 800 people each year, 36 at a time.

The satellite office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, but help is available around the clock by calling the 24 hour information and crisis hotline at 800-334-2094.