Abilene Local Recognized as 2011 Volunteer of the Year
By: Brendaliss Gonzalez
Updated: April 16, 2012
It's not just a home, its a 24/7 crisis hotline and it's where Shirley Glandon helps hundreds of victims of sexual assault cope.
"Being a victim of sexual assault is one of the most horrific things a woman can experience" said Glandon.
The 75 year old dedicates three 24 hour shifts a week to answer phones for the Abilene Regional Victims Crisis Center's hotline.
For the past 36 years she's listened to thousands of victims- working to reassure them that it's not their fault.
"It is my purpose and the purpose of all of us to say there is nothing you can do that makes it okay for someone to attack you," she said.
Volunteers at the center help some 1300 victims a year. They're trained to deal with the aftermath of sexual or violent attacks.
But more than anything they're trained to offer a comforting ear.
"I know that when she talks to someone on the phone, shes just there, shes a voice that provides comfort," said Diane Dotson, executive director at the Regional Crime Victim Crisis Center.
Glandon's service doesn't stop at the center. She's received several awards for her community service and has no plans of stopping.
She says every one of the men and women she speaks to are enough motivation to keep going.
"These ladies are just so special to me," she said. "They have been through an awful, awful experience and to see them work through it, with our help, but they have to do a lot for themselves."
"Being a victim of sexual assault is one of the most horrific things a woman can experience" said Glandon.
The 75 year old dedicates three 24 hour shifts a week to answer phones for the Abilene Regional Victims Crisis Center's hotline.
For the past 36 years she's listened to thousands of victims- working to reassure them that it's not their fault.
"It is my purpose and the purpose of all of us to say there is nothing you can do that makes it okay for someone to attack you," she said.
Volunteers at the center help some 1300 victims a year. They're trained to deal with the aftermath of sexual or violent attacks.
But more than anything they're trained to offer a comforting ear.
"I know that when she talks to someone on the phone, shes just there, shes a voice that provides comfort," said Diane Dotson, executive director at the Regional Crime Victim Crisis Center.
Glandon's service doesn't stop at the center. She's received several awards for her community service and has no plans of stopping.
She says every one of the men and women she speaks to are enough motivation to keep going.
"These ladies are just so special to me," she said. "They have been through an awful, awful experience and to see them work through it, with our help, but they have to do a lot for themselves."
