The Brownwood Chamber of Commerce luncheon featured representatives from several local non-profit organizations explaining the missions and upcoming events of their organizations. Featured non-profits included The Ark Domestic Violence Shelter, Brown County Home Solutions, and the Boys and Girls Club of Brown County.

First to speak was Savannah Cox with The Ark, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse and their families in Brown, Coleman and Comanche Counties. Cox presented statewide statistics for domestic abuse. In 2015 there were 158 victims that lost their lives to domestic violence throughout the State of Texas. Approximately 1 in 4 women will be abused by their partners at some point in their lives. Often victims of abuse will return to the abuser seven times before making the decision to leave permanently.

“Our job as advocates is to bring victims in and help them walk the path to freedom,” explained Cox. “There’s so many resources available.” Outreach services provided by The Ark include: a 24-hour crisis hotline, legal advocacy including writing protective orders, support groups for survivors, collaboration with other agencies for job skills assistance and job placement, and other services. The Ark shelter is open on a 24 hour basis for victims in need.

“All of us play a part we can play in ending domestic violence. As neighbors, friends, sisters, moms, coworkers, you can make a difference. If you think you know someone in trouble, speak up. No one should have to suffer in silence.” said Cox. For more information about the ARK Shelter, visit