"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokees Give $10K to Women in Safe Homes

"Women In Safe Homes Executive Director Evelyn Hibbs (center) opens a $10,000 donation check from Cherokee Nation as Gwyn LaCrone, shelter director, and Tracy Murphy, assistant shelter director, share in the excitement. The non-profit plans to use the funds for rising expense cost."

MUSKOGEE, Oklahoma - The Cherokee Nation recently gave $10,000 to Women In Safe Homes, Inc. (W.I.S.H.), a local organization that provides assistance to women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

According to Evelyn Hibbs, executive director of W.I.S.H., the contribution will assist the non-profit with rising expenses.

“We took a budget cut this year and everyone is getting cut,” said Hibbs. “There are tons of things we would like to do, but most likely this contribution will assist us in paying for our utilities and insurance.”

"It is a very sad state of affairs when women and children are abused, but is good that these shelters are available in an extreme time of need to help them get back on their feet,” said Don Garvin, Cherokee Nation tribal council member representing Muskogee, McIntosh and Wagoner Counties.

The Muskogee based organization provides services to abused women and their children including a shelter, 24-hour crisis and rape intervention hotline, court escort, counseling for children and abusive partners, emergency transportation, clothing, food and social service referrals. Though W.I.S.H. provides services to women and children in need from all over the state and even nationally, the organization’s main service area consists of Muskogee and McIntosh counties.