Several local dignitaries, members of the law enforcement community, and survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault were on hand to witness the 10th anniversary celebration of Soteria House in Logan County at the Holland Theatre in Bellefontaine Friday morning.
The ceremony opened with Bellefontaine Mayor David Crissman reading a joint Bellefontaine and Logan County proclamation naming October 2026 Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Logan County.
Soteria House Program Director Debbie Brownlee asked members of the audience to stand if they played any role in advocating for victims of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault, and then thanked them for their role in marking this important celebration. “We built this together,” Brownlee said to rousing applause.
Several speakers offered comments, each providing a unique perspective that highlighted their role in advocating for victims. Champaign County Common Pleas Court Judge Nick Selvaggio opened the remarks, an early partner in what would eventually become Soteria House.
Logan County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Stewart praised Soteria House for helping in areas his office cannot, including providing housing and financial assistance.
Russells Point Police Chief Joe Freyhoff offered the law enforcement perspective on helping victims when authorities get involved. Freyhoff said he was an early supporter of Soteria House, and he is thankful for the assistance the organization provides.
Also on hand was the Executive Director of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, Mary O’Doherty. She said that Soteria House is one of 76 member programs and one of 58 residential shelters in the state of Ohio. She thanked Brownlee and the staff for their work.
The final speaker was the Executive Director of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence. Her message was mainly to the survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. She reminded them that Soteria House and countless other agencies see them and acknowledge the struggles that they are going through.
Soteria House also awards the Liz Parker Community Hero Award to a deserving advocate for victims each year. Brownlee said that several candidates are reviewed and the winner is selected by the staff of Soteria House and Parker’s daughter, Jenna Schrader. Brownlee said this year, the group decided to present the award to Soteria House in honor of its 10th anniversary.
With concluding remarks, Chief Executive Officer at TCN Behavioral Health Services Lori Hreha, Esq., said that Brownlee misspoke earlier. She said that, unbeknownst to Brownlee, the staff met again and unanimously chose Program Director Brownlee to receive the Liz Parker Community Hero Award.
Brownlee reflected on the early days of Soteria House:
The highlight of the ceremony was the revealing of the Soteria House 10th Anniversary quilt.
For more information about the services offered by Soteria House, click here .
