Forsyth County Sheriff's Office

FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

VICTIM ADVOCATE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

Friday August 16, 2002

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocate, Mrs. Brenda Hadaway, announced today that she is looking for volunteers.

The Victim Advocate offers a number of services to victims of crime, including crisis counseling, 24-hour availability to assist victims of crime, emergency referrals for food, clothing and shelter, transportation and a variety of other services to persons who have been victims of crime or other incidents that call for emergency assistance. In its first six months of operation, over 500 persons have been assisted by the Victim Advocate.

“I am pleased that Judie Paxton has joined my office this week as a non-paid volunteer”, said Mrs. Hadaway. “Judie brings a wealth of experience and qualifications that will help her be a valuable resource to our community”, she added.

Mrs. Paxton is the wife of Sheriff Ted Paxton. She and her husband are active members of Cumming First United Methodist Church, where she serves as a Stephen Ministry Leader. Stephen Ministers are persons who have received 50 hours of training in important caring skills and concepts. They provide ongoing care to people who are experiencing a wide range of life needs or crisis such as those who are terminally ill and their families, the bereaved and those who have lost their jobs. Stephen Ministers are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship.

Mrs. Paxton is also employed full-time by Bank of America as a Regional Life Safety Manager.

“I believe my training and experience as a Stephen Minister will be a big asset as I become more involved in assisting Brenda,”Mrs. Paxton said. “I want to use the skills I have learned as a Stephen Minister to provide care and support to victims of crime.”

If you are interested in working as a non-paid volunteer with the Victim Advocate’s office, please contact Mrs. Hadaway at (678) 455-8458. Detailed information about the Victim Advocate’s office can be found here.