C.A.R.E. Primary Victim Advocate and Program Manager Teresa Morehouse is retiring after 25 years of dedicated service to Atchison County domestic violence victims.
C.A.R.E. is hosting an open house in October, recognizing the 25th anni-versary of the start of the local organization that assists domestic violence victims. It will also be holding a retirement reception honoring retiring C.A.R.E. Primary Victim Advocate and Program Manager Teresa Morehouse. Stop by the C.A.R.E. House, located at 302 S. Water Street in Rock Port, Missouri, Wednesday, October 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Take a tour of the facility and dine on pulled pork, potato salad, baked beans, chips, cookies, and bottled water while also wishing Teresa a fond farewell.
Teresa started C.A.R.E. 25 years ago in her home, working as a victim advocate. As the years came and went, volunteers and a few other employees were added, and then they all moved to Rock Port. With 58 people served the first year and around 125 served annually every year after that, approximately 3,000 domestic violence victims have received services through C.A.R.E. Whether it’s providing information and referrals, emotional assistance, victim compensation information, personal and/or court advocacy, three-night emergency shelter, or DV/SA counseling, those 3,000 people were finally shown the respect and care they deserved all along and taught that they mattered and did not deserve the horrible treatment they were receiving at home. Provided by grants and community donations and support, Teresa and victim advocate Kris Davis and volunteers have worked steadily helping those in need. Teresa said that thankfully, in those 25 years, laws have become stricter for domestic violence perpetrators and more people are seeking assistance. However, she said that it’s still a very small percentage who actually come forward or see their cases taken to trial. She remarked, “We are only serving the tip of the iceberg. There are so many more victims who need help.”
With the assistance of Atchison County ministerial alliance groups, Community Services, the local food pantries, The Salvation Army, businesses, and community residents, C.A.R.E. has been able to provide an assortment of assistance to anyone who gives them a call or walks through the door. Donations to keep going are always appreciated. Checks may be made payable to C.A.R.E. and mailed to P.O. Box 62, Tarkio, MO 64491 or to 302 S. Water, Rock Port, MO 64482. Anyone donating over $100 can get 70% back on their state tax return if they have a tax liability with the state of Missouri.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. C.A.R.E. plans to set up their victim pinwheel display at the four-way stop in Rock Port in front of the Tulsa Rose Boutique and Farm Bureau. Instead of the annual candlelight vigil, the open house and other events will bring the community together in stopping domestic violence before it starts and helping those who fall through the cracks.
After Teresa steps away from C.A.R.E., she plans to stay busy with her own bookkeeping business called TNT Morehouse Bookkeeping, LLC (816-383-1485). Stop by C.A.R.E. on October 14 to say thanks to Teresa for all she’s done, to welcome Kris into Teresa’s role, and tour the C.A.R.E. House.
