PERRYSBURG, OH (Toledo News Now) - A local center that has helped 1,800 women emerge from domestic abuse is closing its doors, but opening other ones.
After seven years in Bowling Green and the last three years in Perrysburg, Alicia's Voice is moving out of its building and taking a ride up north, to continue serving victims of domestic violence.
"We have some stuffed animals and toys and, you know, things for the kitchen they can use," said Kathy Newlove, co-founder of Alicia's Voice.
Newlove is moving the headquarters because it's not cost effective anymore to pay $5,400 a year in rent.
Just after their daughter, Alicia Castillion, was murdered by an ex-boyfriend in March 2007, Kathy Newlove and her husband, Tom, founded Alicia's Voice. It's a place for victims of domestic violence to get counseling or pick up items for free that they were having trouble paying for on their own.
"We decided that money would be used for education, for supplies, for whatever needs that victims of domestic violence might have, to help them get out of their situations," explained Newlove.
The organization is moving to the basement of the Municipal Court building in Perrysburg, which is being offered free of charge. Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence can go to the new office, or Newlove will help them get there herself.
"I think Alicia would be ecstatic. She would be so proud to know that we have helped all these women that are, that she was in that same circumstance," said Newlove.
Alicia's Voice now has a new phone number in Perrysburg at 419-575-4725.
Domestic violence is always wrong. Let us help.
-YWCA
