Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2017

48 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestofMP.com feature administrative offices at 843-747-4069 or visit www. mysistershouse.org . In addition to the party, My Sister’s House also organizes a trip to the Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island. Volunteers are a vital part of the organization’s success. Jones, a licensed professional counselor, said 110 people donate their time and talent to My Sister’s House, 24 of them from Mount Pleasant. As an employee, Jones assessed the needs of kids living at the shelter, and, if necessary, referred them to other professionals such as physical or speech therapists. She was “heavily involved” with the Christmas party when she worked for the organization and is a key player in the holiday festivities as a volunteer. Her job, she said, is “organizing the chaos.” “I believe in the services we offer,” Jones said, explaining why she wanted to remain involved in the organization. “These are my surrogate kids.” For security reasons, the location of the 36-bed shelter is a secret. In 2016, 204 adults and 185 kids stayed there, typically for 20 to 30 days, according to Connors. Some women have remained at My Sister’s House for up to two months or even longer, if necessary. The organization also took nearly 3,000 phone calls on its crisis line, which is manned by volunteers. Connors said the organization does not require a police report or any other documentation from women who are trying to escape domestic violence. All they need to do is make it to a hospital or police station to be picked up and transported to the shelter. My Sister’s House provides other services besides a place to stay. The organization’s outreach specialists are available to speak to church, school and civic groups about how domestic violence affects the lives of victims and their families. My Sister’s House also organizes support groups that meet throughout Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester County. In addition, the organization helps victims of domestic violence file criminal chargers or orders of protection against their abusers. All this is necessary because South Carolina currently ranks fifth in the nation in an ominous category: In 2015, 46 women were killed by men in the Palmetto State. According to Pilkenton, My Sister’s House needs the support of the community to turn those statistics around. She said that 81 cents of every dollar donated to the organization is spent on programs and services, pointing out that the industry standard is 75 percent. “We’re doing good things,” she said. 1300 Hospital Drive Suite 380 | Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | 843.884.2206 We take care of the Whole woman FIRST IN THE STATE TO OFFER THE MONA LISA TOUCH . OBGYN SERVICES | WEIGHT LOSS | AESTHETIC SERVICES BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY $79.00 WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM Includes: 8-B-12/LIPO shots, Consultation, Body Composition Analysis Limit 1 per patient. First Time Patient only. MONA LISA TOUCH Treatment for Urinary Incontinence, Vaginal Atrophy, Vaginal Dryness FREE CONSULTATION ESTHETIC SERVICES $9.00 Botox (with this ad) 10% OFF all Esthetic Services www.palmettowomenshealth.com