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WEST FRANKFORT - Amid a standing room only crowd, speakers and audience members were wiping their eyes and choking back the tears as they talked about the valiant undertaking and victims of domestic violence.

Organizers have been discussing the need for a domestic violence shelter in Franklin County for a number of years, and Saturday's fund-raising kickoff provided an opportunity to showcase the building to be renovated.

Saturday's fund-raising kickoff for the Franklin County domestic violence shelter, held in the former Parkview Care Center located at 301 E. Garland St., included an invocation from church volunteer organizer, the Rev. Gene Fox, and a welcome from board member Bob Ellis, who praised members for their accomplishments.

“There has never been a project in Franklin County that has a higher priority than this,” Ellis said. “Like all great projects, this dream started with a seed and look at where we've come,” Ellis said to rousing applause.

Shelter organizer Sara Bond said during her years as executive director with Court Appointed Special Advocates, she experienced a roller coaster of emotion as she worked with court cases involving victims of abuse.

“I tried to get my husband, Shawn, involved in CASA but he was always too busy,” Bond said. “But he said he wanted to build a children's home to help victims of abuse and domestic violence, and we have come this far. These kids are my heroes. There is also a hero among us today who took the time to gather the resources, which will help fund this project and I am proud to announce the center will be named the Roan Center, on behalf of Gary Roan. “

The Bonds approached former Congressman and current Southern Illinois University Carbondale President Glenn Poshard about the idea of providing a shelter for women and children of domestic violence several months ago and the idea has been expanding ever since.

IBEW President Gary Roan said he had talked with Poshard about developing a shelter to house victims of domestic violence and abuse but never dreamed Poshard was setting money aside for the project.

Poshard said Roan and IBEW members had conducted golf tournaments for the past 10 years, with the proceeds to benefit The Poshard Foundation, to help fund projects and build shelters.

“Gary and IBEW members volunteered their services and wired the facility we constructed in Cairo for abused children,” Poshard said, as his voice quivered with emotion while he paused to choke back the tears.

“Gary didn't even ask about building a facility in Franklin County, while he and other IBEW members held golf tournaments and helped build the Cairo shelter,” Poshard said. “Nor, did he know that all of the proceeds from the golf tournaments were being put into a separate fund for a project of this sort. Gary and IBEW members raised more than $100,000 and did a lot of work on the golf tournaments and to raise the money.

“No one can believe what happens to these children and the pain they go through,” Poshard said. “When I was visiting the abused children's shelter in Cairo, I saw a boy sitting by himself in the corner. When I asked about him, I was told that his mother and his father had abused him, both sexually and physically, ever since he was 5 years old. He is now 13, and was abusing his brothers and his sisters.”

Ellis said the support shown by volunteers and contributors would provide a safe place for women and children.

“In one wing, you will be able to hear the sound of laughter and in the other wing, you will be able to hear the sound of once battered women making positive sounds in the kitchen,” Ellis said. “This will be a safe place for women and children.”

Shelter organizer Bruce Fasol said victims of domestic violence would be provided a home through volunteerism.

“Caring isn't enough,” Fasol said. “Mother Teresa took the idea of caring and carried it to sharing. Take the caring attitude you came here with today and turn that into sharing. Use the skills that God gave you. If you can wear a hard hat and use your talent in that way, it is much needed and will be greatly appreciated. If you can roll up your shirtsleeves and hold a paint roller that is needed. If you want to roll up your shirtsleeves and get out your checkbook that is also needed. We need all kinds of help to make this project work.”

Fasol said volunteer labor and monetary donations are needed.

“The West Frankfort Chamber of Commerce office manager has volunteered to channel labor and monetary donations,” Fasol said. “If you want to volunteer for the building renovation, call the Chamber. If you want to help with the fund-raising campaign, call the chamber. If you want to schedule a speaking engagement for your group, club or organization, call the Chamber. Linda Clark at the Chamber office, 932-2181, will be glad to take your call.”