Berkeley Springs’ small shops support domestic violence prevention

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. (DC News Now) — The holidays are a time when society gathers to help those in desperate need.

Small businesses on Main Street in eastern West Virginia have stepped up to help victims of domestic violence.

Katie Spriggs is on the front lines helping those most helpless. He runs the Empowerment Center of Morgan County.

“We work with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and dating violence,” Spriggs said.

He said that those who reached him were looking for shelter.

“Housing is a real challenge, but we try to do the best we can with limited resources and provide support groups and life improvement skills,” Spriggs said.

Small shops in Berkeley Springs provided community support for the Empowerment Center. Jules Happy Rone has a souvenir boutique just outside of town.

“Two years ago we had eight SUVs filled to the brim with donations, but last year we had to rent a U-Haul, and thanks to the community member who volunteered to sponsor it, we will have to rent another one this year,” Rone said. “It’s truly amazing what can happen when it arrives.”

Rone is collecting donations for the Empowerment Center at her gift shop on Fairfax Avenue in the heart of the city.