The Lighthouse Shelter, Inc.

I sat down with Cory Petersen (Manager) and Becky Plattner (Executive Director) from The Lighthouse Shelter in Marshall to find out exactly what Lighthouse has to offer the community.

The Lighthouse Shelter is a safe place for anyone who has been a victim of sexual or domestic violence and is open to men, women, and children. Cory explained to me that it's considered a "phantom house," which means that the identity and address of the shelter is kept a secret to protect its residents.There are many privacy policies in place and I was required to sign a confidentiality agreement, stating that I would not discuss the residents after leaving the house.

I asked Cory how he came to manage a place like Lighthouse and he gave me a very honest answer. Having been raised in a household where he witnessed domestic abuse and violence firsthand, Cory told me that being able to understand and to work in this type of environment comes naturally to him. He went on to say that when he meets a new person in need, he simply tells himself that he's doing it for his mother, who suffered the same type of cruelties as the people he helps.

Cory and I also spoke briefly of the setbacks The Lighthouse Shelter has experienced in the past. His community has heard the rumors and truths about some mishandling of management duties during years past and explained to me that this misuse has hurt The Lighthouse Shelter's funding. In order to keep the shelter's doors open, community contributions are greatly needed.

While we sat Cory's office, there were a few interruptions by residents. This gave me a great opportunity to witness how Cory interacted with the people he helps. Being the only male in a mostly female shelter, you'd expect some awkwardness.His dedication was touching and his professionalism was nothing short of amazing. In the past, the women who've resides in the shelter have even commented that they feel more safe knowing that he's there.

After speaking with Cory, Director Becky Plattner joined our interview. She'd been busy organizing the local Lighthouse Shelter Thrift Store items. They use the funds made from the store to help supplement expenses at the shelter. Unfortunately, the store is unable to provide the amount of funds needed to keep Lighthouse Shelter in operational status.

I followed her into a makeshift office that may have once been a back porch or mudroom. She described what it is like working with a "skeleton crew" as they've had to recently let fifteen employees go due to lack of funding. Tears filled her eyes as she described the hardships met by a staff who is constantly struggling to keep doors open for victims in need. Donations are desperately needed in order for The Lighthouse Shelter to continue providing services to area.

For more information, or if you or someone you know would like to donate to The Lighthouse Shelter, you can call 660-886-9880.