Shelter renamed to honor community leader

Clovis’ shelter for victims of domestic violence will be renamed the Hartley House, after Mary Carol Hartley, a community leader who died in October after a long, on-and-off bout with cancer.

Hartley was the wife of 9th Judicial District Judge Ted Hartley.

The center’s new Executive Director Catharine Johnson said a ribbon cutting to formally announce the new name will be held at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 7.

Also, the center, at 900 Main St. in the old magistrate court building, will host a chamber of commerce breakfast at 7 a.m. Feb. 13, Johnson said.

“We hope the new name honors Mary Carol Hartley, who had so much compassion for the women at the center. But, we also feel it helps us start the new year with a positive spirit, because Hartley House suggests ‘full of heart,’” Johnson said.

She said the Hartley House is not the shelter’s safe house, which is at an undisclosed location. Instead, it is a public meeting place where victims of domestic violence and batterers can come for help.

“Batterers can come here for a court-ordered intervention group. It’s an excellent, 24-session program. For victims, there are group meetings and an advocate, who will help them find assistance, information and the right doctors and counselors,” she said.

Also, the Hartley House now offers expanded services for and an advocate for sexual assault victims, she added.

All services to victims are free of charge, although batterers may have to pay for services to them, Johnson said.

“We consider ourselves a confidential, independent assistant for victims, a way station for support and information, where they can come before taking their next step. We will help them decide about their next step,” she said.

Victims of domestic violence can call the center at 1-800-401-0305. Victims of sexual assault can call 1-877-867-2966 (86 SAY NO), Johnson said.