Forcht Bank donates building for new domestic violence shelter

Officials celebrated the official grand opening of Cumberland Valley Domestic Violence Services in Laurel County last week.

An area domestic abuse shelter celebrated the grand opening of its new facility near London last week, and it’s new location was made possible by the generosity of a local bank.

The Cumberland Valley Domestic Violence Services center held an official grand opening ceremony last Wednesday. The facility accepts women, children and even men who are victims of domestic violence and offers them a safe place to recover and rebuild their lives.

The facility previously operated in Mt. Vernon under the name “Family Life Abuse Center,” part of the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). It separated from CAP in July to become a standalone entity.

“The facility is larger than what we had before … it’s twice as big,” said Sherrie Bell, Director of Cumberland Valley Domestic Violence Services. “We have a lot more resources here in London than in Mt. Vernon. We can make better referrals for our clients.”

Bell said, for one thing, it is much easier to secure a job or other services for clients in London and Laurel County — a larger, more affluent area than its previous location. She said the space in the shelter, too, offers more opportunities.
Capacity is still the same, however. The facility can house about 20 people.

The new location became a possibility after a generous donation by Forcht Bank. The bank had foreclosed on the property — an old doctor’s office. It was donated for use as a shelter, but needed significant repair and upgrading. Workers for the Christian Appalachian Project did all the work.

Marion Forcht, wife of Forcht Group of Kentucky Chairman and CEO Terry Forcht, said the couple was honored to be partners with CAP and the shelter.

“Terry and I appreciate what contributions you make to the community for being here and are proud to be included as one of your partners,” Forcht said. “I’m impressed with what you’ve done. You can tell your care about it and put a lot of effort into what you do.”

Forcht said he hopes other opportunities will arise in the future for other partnerships.

Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield thanked the Forchts for deciding to donate the building, and said he is happy it is now located in Laurel County.

“It just fills my heart with joy that the kids that are victims of this have a place where they can stay and eat and be safe,” Westerfield said at the grand opening.

London Mayor Troy Rudder vowed that the city would do “anything it could possibly do” to help the facility.

“This is a great organization,” he said.