Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302793
Morgan Bouchillon, assistant shelter director at Crisis Line & Safe House, has been helping the Macon community for the past seven years. Her work in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis has necessitated that she goes above and beyond. Crisis Line & Safe House is a nonprofit organization that aids victims of sexual assault and domestic violence through programs such as confidentially-located sheltering and a 24-hour crisis hotline. Bouchillon is passionate about the work she does. "I love being able to witness clients as they grow in their confidence and establish independent lives," said Bouchillon. Within the last few months, Bouchillon has gone from serving 12 people in the shelter to serving an additional 22 people in other confidential locations, all receiving the same services. One of Bouchillon's duties is grocery shopping for the shelter. With almost double the amount of people she serves and limited items at grocery stores, Bouchillon now shops at multiple grocery stores every day to ensure everyone has the items they need to feel comfortable and safe. "Even though her job duties have drastically increased due to the impacts of the coronavirus, she still takes the time to focus on each client and offer them encouragement – whether that's done through coordinating outings to Amerson for fresh air, organizing a gender reveal party for a client, or just generally being available for a conversation with a smile," said Suzanne Palmer, Crisis Line & Safe House shelter director. Buchillon's positive, can-do attitude is illuminated through her work and is reflected in the community she is serving. "This time has been especially hard on those who are in unsafe situations or are attempting to start over, so I find myself spending more time offering emotional support to our current clients and hotline callers. We are trying hard to make the shelter a positive place for everyone," said Bouchillon. "Even in the middle of these challenges, we've stuck together and encouraged each other and it shows in both the workplace environment and the level of service we provide to the community." If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are struggling after sexual assault, call the Crisis Line & Safe House hotline at 478-745-9292. The shelter is open 24/7 if you are seeking refuge. Visit cl-sh.org/ for more information. —Meghan Lindstrom Morgan Bouchillon 21