Peaceful Paths + ACC

By TP

On Saturday, February 21^st a group of like-minded, service-oriented neighbors came together at the High Springs Library to donate food, toiletries, and other necessities to Peaceful Paths, a certified domestic violence center serving Alachua, Bradford, and Union counties.

Organized by the Alachua Community Collective, the drive was not only an opportunity for the local community to share resources, but also an opportunity to discuss how to best continue supporting each other.

Peaceful Paths was kind enough to send a representative to speak about the services offered at their shelters, and the various ways that community members can contribute to the cause. As a certified domestic violence center, Peaceful Paths helps women, children, and men fleeing domestic violence situations. It has a 24/7 helpline that is open to anyone in need. They offer emergency housing for those who need shelter immediately, as well as supportive housing for those who need a long-term solution. They offer food and clothing, childcare, legal services, and transportation for work and school. While survivor services are the central focus,

Peaceful Paths also works to prevent domestic violence through education. They send delegates to K-12 schools, universities, fraternities and sororities to educate young people on the differences between healthy and abusive relationships. 

As federal and local funding gets slashed, sustaining these much-needed programs will rely more and more on the local community. If you’d like to support Peaceful Paths, they always welcome donations: food, clothing, full-sized toiletries, and money.

But supporting your neighbors can also come in the form of volunteering your time. You can offer to man the phones, organize donations drives, or pick up donations from others. Peaceful Paths welcomes anyone that wants to help with open arms. 

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