Shelter from Storm receives boost from car dealer

SHELTER FROM THE STORM Executive Director Darilynn Parry Brown forks over a symbolic $1 to Greg Colozzi of Legacy Ford, payment for a Ford Windstar van Shelter will use to transport clients and get volunteer advocates to training sessions.

It’s true that a dollar doesn’t buy much these days, but then, there’s always an exception to the rule.

Shelter from the Storm, Union County’s domestic violence crisis service, made a heck of a buy recently, scoring a victory in the never-ending battle to keep road-worthy, service-ready vehicles on the road.

“We’re very grateful,” said Teresa Crouser, Shelter’s volunteer and outreach coordinator.

 Before Legacy stepped up and made what amounts to a generous donation, Shelter had two older vehicles, neither one very reliable. The agency uses its vehicles to transport clients and children, and also to get volunteer advocates to trainings.

Money is always tight, and vehicle maintenance tears big holes in the budget. After a serious issue came up with one of the vehicles, Crouser started looking for solutions.

She contacted Greg Colozzi, general manager at Legacy Ford on Island Avenue, and told him about the problem. Colozzi jumped at the chance to help, working out a deal in which Shelter paid a token $1 for a rig in running condition.

“He was very supportive of the services we provide to the community. He had me come right down there, showed me the van and facilitated the sale,” Crouser said.

 Colozzi said the $1 sale goes along with his company’s “pay-it-forward” philosophy — its commitment to worthy community causes.

“I felt like they’re helping people, and for us there’s no greater feeling than helping somebody else, especially when they are a teammate in making the community a better place,” he said.

Shelter from the Storm is a domestic violence and sexual assault center providing services services including a 24-hour crisis line, counseling, advocacy and a Sexual Assault Response Team.

The organization relies mainly on grant funding and community donations. Crouser said help from businesses like Legacy is crucial.

“I think it’s important for people to remember that supporting those businesses is the same as supporting us,” she said.

Shelter’s Crisis Line number is 541-963-9261. The office, on the Union County campus along K Avenue, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fridays.

To learn more about Shelter from the Storm, access Facebook on the Web.