A new grassroots effort aimed at addressing a gap in services for domestic violence survivors is taking shape in Clarendon County, led by local resident Audrey Parker and a board of community volunteers.
Parker, executive director of the newly formed nonprofit Safe Harbor Clarendon, is hosting a bake sale fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Manning IGA, with proceeds going toward establishing the organization as a 501(c)(3) and laying the groundwork for future services — including, she hopes, one day operating a safe house for victims.
The fundraiser will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the IGA located at 600 S. Mill St. Items for sale will include cakes, cookies, coffee and cocoa. Baked goods will be provided by Big Mama’s Bakery, Parker’s cottage bakery business, and Speak Easy Acres, operated by board chair Kayla Torman, will also be on site. Donations will be accepted.
“All the money that is brought in is going to go toward the fees that we’re going to need — mainly for the 501(c)(3),” Parker said. “We can’t do anything if we don’t have the paperwork in place.”
Parker moved to Clarendon County nearly five years ago with her husband after living near Asheville, North Carolina. While there, she frequently helped connect individuals with domestic violence shelters, transport victims and gather supplies, experiences that shaped her advocacy.
“I grew up in domestic violence,” Parker said, explaining that her mother is a survivor. “This is where my heart is.”
The idea for Safe Harbor Clarendon came together late last year after Parker received multiple calls within a short period from women seeking help.
“Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I got three calls,” she said. “After the third one, I don’t believe in coincidences. Obviously there was a need.”
Parker said she contacted regional organizations, including the YWCA and advocacy coalitions, and learned that Clarendon County does not currently have a dedicated domestic violence shelter or centralized local resource.
“That’s when I said, ‘There needs to be something here,’” she said.
Safe Harbor Clarendon has since formed a six-member board, including Parker as executive director; Stephanie Amerson, assistant director; Kayla Torman, head chair; Carol Lepp, vice chair; Ricci “Elle” Kollie, secretary; and Hannah Craft, treasurer.
While the organization is still in its early stages, Parker said she and her board members are already responding to calls and sharing resources.
“If someone needs help right now, they contact me,” Parker said. “I have the resources, and my board is incredible. Everyone is making calls and sending emails.”
Long-term goals for Safe Harbor Clarendon include operating at least one safe house, assisting survivors with transportation needs and eventually opening a thrift store to help sustain the organization financially.
“We have big goals,” Parker said. “But first, we have to get that 501(c)(3). That’s the starting point.”
Board members and volunteers will rotate throughout the fundraiser, and Parker said community support — whether through purchases, donations or simply spreading the word — will be critical as Safe Harbor Clarendon works to establish itself.
For now, the organization is focused on completing its nonprofit status, expanding its network of resources and building awareness, with the long-term goal of ensuring that domestic violence survivors in Clarendon County have access to local support, safety and guidance when they need it most.
