Hubbard House’s 26th Annual Barbara Ann Campbell Memorial Breakfast program – free and virtual for the first time – raised more than $88,000 and reached more than 14,000 people. The live program, accessible on Hubbard House’s and News4Jax’s Facebook pages, educated viewers about domestic violence. It also encouraged them to reach out to others in their circles who might be secretly, silently suffering, and to spread the word that Hubbard House offers free life-saving and life-changing shelter and services to survivors in need of hope, help.
In her remarks, Hubbard House CEO Dr. Gail A. Patin encouraged viewers to intentionally keep in touch with anyone in isolation who might be at risk of domestic violence. “… Call. Ask yes or no questions about their situations. Zoom or Facetime and watch and listen for indicators that don’t look or feel right. And, if you think they are experiencing domestic violence, and it’s safe for them and for you, let them know about our confidential, 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline and Textline.” Patin also encouraged viewers to share posts from Hubbard House’s #AfterTheCall social media campaign, which feature survivor stories with the Hotline and Textline numbers.
On October 1, at the Domestic Violence Awareness Month kick-off press conference, Hubbard House revealed that 15 domestic violence related deaths occurred in Duval County last year, eight involved intimate partners. According to the 2019 Domestic Violence Fatality Report. Additionally, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams reported an increase in domestic violence since the start of the pandemic.
Confirming the influence of Hubbard House’s life-saving and life-changing programs, two survivors spoke, a Hubbard House volunteer and a former Hubbard House program participant. Each shared how they’d healed and were still healing, and encouraged survivors living with abusers to safely reach out, to take a step toward a better tomorrow.
One survivor, Denise, explained, “I hope that every survivor who’s listening knows help is available because I want everyone to be able to smile, like me. I smile because I’m free!”
Hubbard House Board President Dr. Jennifer Burnett also spoke, encouraging viewers to play a role in ending domestic violence. “By raising awareness and taking action, you and I play a part in stopping the cycle, stopping the cycle of violence, of fear, of trauma, and stopping the silence.”
The breakfast, virtual in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns, is held annually in October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, in memory of former Jacksonville Mayor Jake Godbold’s sister-in-law Barbara Ann Campbell. Barbara Ann lost her life because of domestic violence. Proceeds raised through this event go toward Hubbard House’s life-saving and life-changing shelter and services.
The Breakfast is presented by the Endowed $10,000 Event Grant Fund established in 2015 by Delores Barr Weaver. Benefactor sponsors included the Alan and Pam Green Family Foundation; Hubbard House Foundation; Janeen and Jeremy Kirch; Brandon and Alicia Sherlinski; and Sight & Sound Productions.
Individuals who are in an abusive relationship, or know someone who is, are urged to connect with an advocate at Hubbard House’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline, (904) 354-3114, or Textline (904) 210-3568.
Hubbard House is a full-service certified domestic violence center providing prevention and intervention to domestic violence survivors and their families in Duval and Baker counties in Northeast Florida.
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