Sexual Trauma Services expands to downtown Sumter
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands is moving to 21 N. Harvin St. in downtown Sumter to accommodate two full-time clinicians, a full-time advocate and four community engagement and prevention education team members, according to a news release.
"We are grateful to grow our footprint in Sumter County," Mary Dell Hayes, STSM executive director, said. "The community has been incredibly supportive of STSM's mission to advocate for and support survivors of sexual assault and to educate the community to identify and prevent sexual violence."
The new office requires a fresh coat of paint which will be donated by Sherwin-Williams in Sumter, states the release.
"We would not be able to move into this wonderful space without the support of building owners, Buck James and Jack James, and local business owners like Matt Stutz of Sherwin-Williams," Hayes said. "Support from generous community members makes it possible for STSM to serve hundreds of survivors in Sumter County."
Help from community members is requested to get the new office ready to serve clients.
STSM will provide all paint and necessary tools and will host paint parties from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, and Thursday, Feb. 7.
The organization will also host groups at the following times and dates: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2; 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 3; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16; and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17.
Youth groups, civic groups and other organizations interested in helping can request other days and times to assist with this project.
For more information about the paint project or STSM services in Sumter County, contact Mary Dell Hayes at marydellh@stsm.org or (803) 790-8208.
Visit Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands' website at www.stsm.org to get more information about services and volunteer opportunities.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual violence, call STSM's 24-hour confidential hotline at (803) 771-7273. You are not alone.