Meriwether County Rotary Club and Manchester Woman’s Club Host an Evening of Hope and Safety

In observance of Women’s Day of Service, the Meriwether County Rotary Club and the Manchester Woman’s Club came together to present An Evening of Hope and Safety on Thursday, September 25, at the First Baptist Church of Warm Springs Fellowship Hall. The gathering served as a powerful call to awareness, education, and collective responsibility in addressing domestic violence within our community.

The evening carried profound meaning and heartfelt emotion. The program was originally scheduled to feature Sarah Holiday as the guest speaker. Earlier that day, the community learned of Sarah’s unexpected passing. In her honor, the program opened with a solemn moment of silence—an expression of gratitude for her life, her service to others, and her unwavering commitment to sharing a message of hope and healing.

With reverence and purpose, the program continued, honoring Sarah’s legacy by advancing the mission she deeply believed in.

Michelle Bedingfield, Executive Director of Harmony House in LaGrange, and Byron Hadley, Deputy Chief of the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office, provided meaningful insight and inspiration. Bedingfield spoke passionately about Harmony House's mission: a nonprofit organization that provides emergency shelter, advocacy, and support services for survivors of domestic violence in Troup County and surrounding areas. She emphasized the importance of listening with compassion, recognizing signs of abuse, and responding with care and action.

Deputy Chief Hadley offered a law enforcement perspective, sharing the challenges officers face when responding to domestic violence situations. He underscored the critical role of early reporting and highlighted the partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and organizations such as Harmony House to ensure safety, resources, and justice for victims.

Melissa Trujillo, President of both the Meriwether County Rotary Club and the Manchester Woman’s Club, welcomed attendees and reflected on the deeper meaning of the evening:

“This program was especially significant as we honored the life and legacy of Sarah Holiday. By continuing this event in her memory, we hope to carry forward her message of strength and hope while shining a light on domestic violence awareness.”

The evening concluded with words of encouragement and resolve, reminding all present that domestic violence is not a private matter—it is a community concern. Attendees departed with resources, information, and a renewed commitment to support survivors and work toward prevention.

The Meriwether County Rotary Club and the Manchester Woman’s Club remain dedicated to uplifting and strengthening the community through service. An Evening of Hope and Safety stands as a meaningful example of that commitment and reflects the spirit of Women’s Day of Service, during which clubs across the nation unite to make a lasting impact.

For more information about Harmony House and its services, visit www.harmonyhousega.org .