The Lawrenceburg Rotary Club had the honor of hosting representatives from The Shelter, Inc. during their meeting on Friday, November 14, 2025. Among the attendees were Karen Niedergeses, who has served as the Director since 2018, and Brittany Evans, the Lead Advocate. They provided an insightful overview of the organization’s mission, the vital services it offers, and the pressing needs it faces as it aids victims of domestic violence throughout the region. Niedergeses highlighted the alarming prevalence of domestic violence in Tennessee, revealing that approximately 100 individuals seek shelter services each day across the state.
Evans elaborated on the various forms of advocacy provided by The Shelter, Inc., which range from essential support like food, clothing, and transportation to more intricate assistance, including legal and medical advocacy. She recounted a recent case involving an 18-year-old victim of domestic abuse who was referred to the organization by the Sheriff’s Department, illustrating how crucial advocacy can be during critical moments. The Shelter also helps clients secure important documents, such as birth certificates, which are often necessary for housing applications, job eligibility, and access to government benefits.
According to Niedergeses, the organization is currently providing housing for eight individuals in Lawrenceburg and is actively serving between 30 to 40 clients at any given time, encompassing both residential and non-residential support. In the previous year, The Shelter, Inc. assisted 160 clients, with residential stays averaging around 30 days; however, non-residential support can extend for much longer based on individual client needs.
The Shelter, Inc. operates with a dedicated team of five staff members and maintains an annual budget of $450,000, which is entirely funded by the community. Recently, they expanded their operations with the launch of a new facility in Pulaski. Their most significant annual fundraising event is the Partnership Dinner, held each March, alongside a major awareness campaign every October in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. One of the organization’s most pressing ongoing needs is for donations of meat that can be stored in their freezer to meet the daily nutritional requirements of residents.
The Lawrenceburg Rotary Club expressed its gratitude to Karen Niedergeses and Brittany Evans for their invaluable work and for sharing the essential mission of The Shelter, Inc. with its members.