Lawrenceburg Rotary Hears Presentation from the Shelter, Inc.

Photo Caption: Rotary President Maria Santini, Pulaski Rotarian and Shelter Director Karen Niedergeses, Shelter Lead Advocate Brittany Evans, and Lawrenceburg Rotarian Olivia White

The Lawrenceburg Rotary Club welcomed representatives from The Shelter, Inc. at its Friday, November 14, 2025 meeting. Karen Niedergeses, Director since 2018, and Brittany Evans, Lead Advocate, provided an in-depth look at the organization’s mission, services, and current needs as they support victims of domestic violence across the region.  Niedergeses emphasized the scale of domestic violence in Tennessee, noting that approximately 100 individuals per day statewide seek shelter services.

Evans explained that advocacy at The Shelter, Inc. “takes many forms,” ranging from basic support—such as food, clothing, and transportation—to more complex needs including legal advocacy and medical advocacy. She highlighted a recent case involving an 18-year-old domestic abuse victim who was referred by the Sheriff’s Department, noting how advocacy can be lifesaving during moments of crisis. Other services include assisting clients in obtaining essential documents such as birth certificates, which are often required for housing applications, employment eligibility, and government benefits.

Niedergeses reported that the organization is currently housing eight individuals in Lawrenceburg and actively serving 30–40 clients at any given time, both residential and non-residential. In 2024, The Shelter, Inc. served 160 clients, with residential stays typically lasting about 30 days; however, non-residential support may continue for much longer depending on client needs. 

The Shelter, Inc. operates with a team of five staff members and a $450,000 annual budget which is 100% community funded. They recently expanded operations with the opening of a new facility in Pulaski. Their largest annual fundraiser is the Partnership Dinner held each March, along with a major awareness campaign each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The agency’s greatest ongoing need is for donations of meat that can be stored in their freezer to support the daily nutritional needs of residents.

The Lawrenceburg Rotary Club extends its appreciation to Karen Niedegeses and Brittany Evans for their work and for sharing the critical mission of The Shelter, Inc. with Rotary members.