Working Together to End Abuse in East Central Mississippi.
Care Lodge has remained true to the mission of supporting victims of domestic violence for over 40 years. Prior to 1981, calls relating to domestic violence had been received by the Mental Health Association. In May 1981, St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Meridian donated $5,000 to create a program for victims.
In 1983, support from the Poindexter and Hawkins families allowed Care Lodge to relocate the shelter. The agency continued to work as a division of the Mental Health Association until 1987 when the Board of Trustees determined the agency had sufficient funding and support to become a separate entity.
Today, Care Lodge provides services to approximately 1,000 victims each year. Care Lodge provides services to residents of nine counties in east Mississippi and is the only certified domestic violence shelter in MS Highway Patrol District VI.
Care Lodge is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency governed by a volunteer board that ensures all agency rules, regulations and bylaws are consistent with our mission and vision. Funding is provided through grants, the United Way and local contributions.
The State of Mississippi mandates that domestic violence shelters in the state raise at least 25 percent of their operating budgets from local resources. Care Lodge consistently receives more than 25 percent of our annual budget from local support.
Care Lodge is recognized as an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau of Mississippi. Care Lodge is a member of the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The agency was the 2010 recipient of the Governor's Community Projects of Excellence Award for Best Emergency Shelter. In 2015, Care Lodge was nominated and received the Agency Merit Award for Best Victim Service Provider, statewide.
Vision Statement
Consistent with our belief in the significance and dignity of each person, Care Lodge actively seeks to eliminate domestic abuse by providing victims, offenders, and the community with safe, confidential, inclusive, and effective programs and services.
Core Values
