10/29/2026
At our meeting yesterday morning, Jenni Hebert-Smith, Outreach Advocate for Lee Conlee House (LCH), shared the impact of domestic violence in rural communities. LCH provides shelter, counseling & outreach programs to victims of domestic violence and for the affected children. LCH is one of 42 certified domestic violence shelters in Florida. Jenni highlighted the unique challenges survivors may encounter when seeking safety, support & resources. LCH has a 24-hour hotline. They have shelters for short-term stays, and assistance with longer-term transitional housing. Jenni also told us about recognizing the signs and forms of domestic abuse, understanding barriers such as geographic isolation, limited transportation, privacy concerns, restricted access to services, and identifying practical ways individuals and community organizations can help. Lee Conlee House receives some funding thru federal & state sources, but they are also reliant on community contributions, fundraisers and LCH Thrift Shoppe support. See accompanying flyers for more information on the LCH and how you can help.
Palatka Sunrise appreciates the important critical work of all the Lee Conlee House staff, including the leadership of our Palatka Sunrise club members Lori Slaven (executive director), Vernon Myers (president of the LCH board), Brenda Bridges (past president of LCH board) & other Sunrise members who previously served with LCH.
